Patients often express a desire for a more convenient option than traveling downtown or to Ames for their travel immunizations. This need inspired the opening of The Iowa Clinic's International Travel Medicine Clinic.
The clinic, which opened in 2015, aims to help prevent infectious diseases by providing all types of travel-related immunizations under one roof. Dr. Nyi Nyi Kyaw, Internal Medicine physician at The Iowa Clinic South Waukee campus, provides the Clinic's services.
There are also illnesses that are food-borne and do not have vaccinations. Therefore, in addition to providing the necessary immunizations, we use the patient's travel itinerary to talk through any environmental risks and precautions they should take. These include personal safety, foods they should or should not eat, and general hygiene.
Before you go
To gain the full benefit of travel-related immunizations, plan to be vaccinated at least six weeks before leaving on your trip.
Here's what you need to know:
- Appointments should be made at least three days in advance to ensure that all necessary vaccinations are on hand.
- Prior to your appointment, a nurse will call to go over details and obtain personal health information.
- Take your itinerary to your appointment.
During your Trip
After visiting the International Travel Medicine Clinic, you will receive access to The Iowa Clinic's online patient portal. This gives you 24-hour access to physicians — even when you're half a world away.
When you Return
Although not required, patients are encouraged to visit the Clinic within two or three weeks after their international travel. This is particularly important if you have had any side effects from the immunization, or if you have any symptoms of illnesses that could take weeks to develop, or that you may not recognize as symptoms.
The Main Thing
Travel vaccinations are not available everywhere. Our primary goal is to provide the immunizations and education close to home. We want to make sure you're good to go, and that you're okay when you come back.
The International Travel Medicine Clinic is located at The Iowa Clinic South Waukee location. For an appointment, please call 515.875.8200.
Some Common International Diseases
| Disease | Source |
| Dengue Fever | Mosquito bites |
| Hepatitis A | Contaminated food or water |
| Hepatitis B | Sex, contaminated needles (tattoos, piercings, etc.), medicinal procedures (blood products) |
| Japanese Encephalitis | Mosquito bites |
| Malaria | Mosquito bites |
| Typhoid | Contaminated food or water |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito bites |
Ebola facts
There is no FDA-approved vaccine or medicine available for Ebola. That's why it's important to be educated about this life-threatening infection.
In West Africa, there is a widespread outbreak of the Ebola virus. While the Ebola outbreak is endemic (local) mainly to the sub-Saharan Africa, isolated infections elsewhere in the world have been reported.
Up to twenty-one days after being exposed to the virus, people can develop flu-like symptoms, which ultimately lead to bleeding complications and widespread infection in the body. Experimental vaccines and treatments for Ebola are under development but have not yet been fully tested for safety or effectiveness.
GUARD YOUR HEALTH: Be educated, be on the alert, avoid potential contacts, and watch for symptoms. Learn more at www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola. If you think you may have any symptoms of Ebola, call your doctor immediately.
Nyi NyiKyaw , MD
Nyi Nyi Kyaw, MD joined The Iowa Clinic Internal Medicine department because of the excellent healthcare model and commitment to providing the highest quality patient care. For Dr. Kyaw, the complexity and diversity that internal medicine offers aligns with his passion for continuous learning. Forming lasting connections with patients and providing comprehensive and personalized care is one of the most rewarding parts about his practice.
Dr. Kyaw grew up in Myanmar where he went on to practice medicine, and subsequently spent one year practicing in Jamaica before continuing his practice in the United States. He believes that his diverse medical background has not only equipped him with vast medical knowledge but has also brought a global outlook to his practice which has enriched his patient care approach.
Outside of work, Dr. Kyaw enjoys reading books, going for hikes, spending time with his wife, and staying connected with friends and family. If he was not a provider, he would have chosen to explore a career in data analytics or software development.