Planning a Trip? Why Your Child Might Need a Travel Clearance Visit

Pediatric travel clearance is a medical evaluation that helps ensure a child is healthy enough to travel to specific destinations without unnecessary risk. It gives parents added peace of mind and reassurance as they prepare for travel.

Vacations are a great source of family fun. Travel is sometimes less than the adventure you wish it to be, particularly when faced with the needs of impatient children wondering if you’re there yet.

Across town is one thing. Across the country or overseas is another matter entirely. In addition to the usual preparations for travel, you also need documentation for your children, including medical clearance for travel in some cases.

Our team at Abdow Friendship Pediatrics in Rockville, Maryland, specializes in travel clearances for children. A child’s needs when traveling are often destination-specific, as some parts of the world present unique challenges for their developing immune systems.

What is a pediatric travel clearance?

A pediatric travel clearance ensures that a child is fit to travel to specific locations without undue risk to their health. Our team provides a routine medical exam, including a health history review, vital signs, and a physical examination to pinpoint reasons why it might be unsafe for your child to visit a specific destination.

In some cases, particularly international travel, your child may need medical documents such as proof of vaccination, as well as the vaccines themselves, to protect against travel-related diseases like malaria and yellow fever.

Health risks your child may face while traveling

While sometimes it seems that kids can plow through anything, being away from home may expose them to new health challenges. These can come from a variety of sources, including viral and bacterial pathogens, environmental conditions, and allergies to flora and fauna.

Some of the more common situations a parent must be on guard for include:

Intestinal upsets, including constipation and diarrhea
Dehydration
Fevers, including systemic febrile illnesses, such as malaria
Insect bites
Respiratory infections
Skin rashes
Sunburn

Discuss your plans with our team — where you’re heading, how long, and the activities you’re planning during your stay. These factors can impact your child’s examination and preparations. For example, travel to tropical locations may require vaccinations beyond those normally given to children in the United States.

Timing your travel clearance visit

Schedule a visit to our offices about a month before your departure date. This gives you time to fill prescriptions and complete medical tests, vaccinations, or other procedures.

Make sure you’re well-stocked with any daily medications your child uses, and pack these in your carry-on luggage if applicable. Whenever possible, keep medications in their original packaging or pharmacy-issued pill bottles. Available drugs may vary in other countries.

Contact Abdow Friendship Pediatrics online or by phone today to schedule your child’s travel clearance visit as soon as you know your plans. See you soon!