The biggest hassle with travelling is often not related to the travelling itself — it’s all of the vaccinations and preparations that need to happen before you head out.

Vaccinations and Immunizations
Of the many different services that urgent care centers offer, vaccinations and immunizations are simple services that most urgent care clinics are equipped to handle. Many work-related trips and study-abroad trips require regionally specific vaccinations to protect travelers against diseases that are not common in the North American region; even if you are travelling as an individual rather than with an organization, it is a good idea to be aware of the recommended and/or mandated vaccines specific to your destination. Urgent care clinics can offer (and often suggest) that travelers make appointments to be vaccinated bout four- six weeks ahead of their planned travel date, but they also serve plenty of last-minute travelers and have the means to accommodate patients without an appointment.

Many Locations Worldwide
Regardless of whether you’re travelling domestically or globally, urgent care centers have expanded worldwide. There are approximately 6,800 urgent care centers in the U.S. alone — no matter where you are, there is likely to be an urgent care facility nearby. It’s a good idea to do some research before leaving home and to find out if there are any immediate care clinics around the region in which you will be staying. Some U.S. states even permit urgent care centers to have point-of-care prescription dispensing, which means that the center is fully stocked with prescriptions so that patients will have their medication before leaving the building. This is an extremely convenient service, especially if you’re in a new place and don’t know where the closest pharmacy is, or if you have to travel unexpectedly and don’t have time to stop at another pharmacy.

Whether you’re preparing to head overseas or you’re already on the open road, urgent care centers can be of the utmost importance should something bad happen. These facilities often stay open seven days a week, 24 hours a day, and they always have a full team of competent nurses and doctors. So if you’re planning on travelling this summer, make sure to have your bases covered and to stay safe no matter where you go. See this reference for more.