To help you in making a decision, consult with your family pediatrician for recommendations.  There are also some important questions to ask of any prospective travel medicine clinic.

The ISTM recommends you ask a potential health provider:

• Has this clinic been in operation for at least five years?

• Is it affiliated with a well-known and reputed hospital?

• Have the physicians ever practiced medicine or performed research in a remote area?

• Are they trained in infectious diseases or tropical medicine?

• Are there any pediatric specialists on staff?

• Do staff members remain informed of current medical issues by periodically attending seminars offered by the ISTM and the American Society of Tropical Medicine & Hygiene?

• Does the clinic follow the guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and World Health Organization?

• Is the clinic capable of administering the yellow fever vaccine?  (If so, the clinic is most likely reputable, since this inoculation requires licensing).

Andrew Hard, formerly a staff writer at FTF, 
and recent graduate of NYU's journalism 
program, is a rewrite editor at Fox News.com.