Travel Tips

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International Adoption

All travel has the potential for exposing young travelers and family members to illnesses endemic to the geographic regions to which they travel. Many of these conditions are relatively unfamiliar to most practitioners. The most common of these include malaria, hepatitis A, diarrheal disease, typhoid fever, yellow fever, tuberculosis and a variety of parasitic infections. Illnesses may be transmitted from person to person or through food or water. Most can be prevented by education directed at avoiding exposure, using preventive medications and, in some instances, by receiving specialized vaccines.

For Parents

As immunizations and medications needed differ for each country, we recommend scheduling an appointment with your local travel clinic regarding necessary immunizations and health concerns for your area of travel. (Riley Hospital for Children Travel Medicine at Indiana University Heath 317.944.7260)

  • First aid kit including antibiotic cream, adhesive bandages, scissors, tape, gauze, rubber gloves
  • Prescription medications
  • Acetaminophen or ibuprofen
  • To be used by adult travelers only: preparations for diarrhea (e.g., Pepto-Bismol tablets, Imodium AD)
  • Mosquito repellant
  • Sunscreen
  • Hand sanitizer

For Child

If you plan to bring your child to the International Adoption Center at Indiana Univrsity Health once returning, please contact us to schedule an appointment prior to your travel. (Riley Hospital for Children International Adoption Center at Indiana University Health 317.944.4846)

  • Moisturizing cream (e.g., petroleum jelly)
  • Diaper rash cream (e.g., zinc oxide cream or petroleum jelly)
  • Fungal diaper rash cream (e.g., clotrimazole cream 1%)
  • Infant thermometer
  • Infant or children's acetaminophen and ibuprofen
  • Antibiotic cream for cuts and scrapes etc
  • Hydrocortisone cream or ointment (1%)
  • Oral antibiotics (e.g. amoxicillin in powder form) Contact your primary care physician for dosing and prescription.
  • Scabies treatment (permethrin cream) Contact your primary care physician for dosing and prescription.
  • Car seat. Visit aap.org/family/carseatguide.htm for more information

Other tips

  • Check with your medical insurance regarding travel coverage, including medical transportation.
  • Visit the CDC.gov web site for further health travel information.