Release Date: May 27, 2009
Contact: Christine Patmon, Metro Health Public Relations Manager, 207-8638
Prepare for International Travel with Vaccinations and a Passport
Metro Health reminds travelers of June 1 Homeland Security change and foreign travel-related services
Anyone planning to travel abroad this summer is advised to make sure two items are on their checklist in advance of their departure – vaccinations and a passport.
Beginning June 1, the Department of Homeland Security will institute new traveling requirements for departing or re-entering the United States under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). Most U.S. citizens, including children, entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry will need to have a valid passport, passport card, or other travel document approved by Homeland Security. Under WHTI, persons traveling by air are already required to present a passport or other valid travel document to depart or re-enter the U.S.
Birth certificates are required when applying for a passport or a passport card. Metro Health maintains all birth certificates for residents born in Bexar County and has access to records in other jurisdictions. Individuals in need of a copy of their birth certificate can access it for a fee of $23 per copy through one of the following options:
• Visit www.vitalchek.com (an additional online processing fee is required)
• Write to: Office of Vital Statistics
719 S. Santa Rosa St, Suite A
San Antonio, TX 78204
• Visit Vital Statistics in person. Open Monday - Friday from 7:45 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
In addition to a passport, travelers also may need vaccinations if they are planning to visit destinations outside of the U.S. Travelers can call one of Metro Health’s Foreign Travel Clinics to schedule a consultation and receive information on vaccine recommendations or requirements for their desired area of travel. Vaccination services are available at the clinics.
Other services offered include international travel certificates, tuberculosis (TB) skin testing, and routine vaccines for individuals that need to update their immunizations.
For more information on international travel vaccinations, click here or call 207-8872 or
207-8735 to make an appointment. Individuals requiring information about birth certificates, can click here or call 207-8815. For additional information about specific travel affected by the WHTI, click here.
