The COVID-19 pandemic drastically changed both the way people think about and prepare for travel, as well as how they approach visits to primary care physicians, now slammed and exhausted by years of overwork and a lack of available professionals.
Now, as international travel rebounds, how can travelers make sure they have the essential vaccines they need without have to see a doctor?
Travel Clinic NOLA — the brainchild of founder and CEO Ashley Cain — is a by-appointment clinic in the Central Business District that is answering the call with a one-stop-shop for travelers.
Cain is a registered nurse with nearly 18 years of experience, including 10 years in the travel health sector, as well as jobs at Children’s Hospital New Orleans and CVS Health. Her new venture marries her love of healthcare and travel.
“I’ve traveled to Asia, Africa, Caribbean, Central America, specifically in countries where endemic diseases are common,” she said, “which gives me firsthand experience in how diseases are treated and managed globally.”
While Cain officially launched Travel Clinic NOLA in October 2021, she had already been providing key health information to friends and family for years.
“I shared tips on business travel and must-have over-the-counter medications, especially since I had traveled for work over six years while working in corporate America.”
During the early days of the pandemic, Cain saw an opportunity.
“I realized that once the borders reopened, first-time travelers and seasoned travelers would be eager to explore the world again,” she said. “I wanted to be there to help them ‘be healthy wherever you are,’ which is our slogan. I saw a real need for travel health services, especially for university students studying abroad.”
For patients of Travel Clinic NOLA, having an easy option for travel preparation that is specifically tailored to their unique needs is a win-win and goes well beyond the capabilities of so-called “minute clinics” from big chains such as CVS and Walgreens. Patients are encouraged to book an appointment with one of the company’s registered nurses six to eight weeks prior to their trip to ensure they receive the proper vaccinations appropriate for their destinations.
The company’s specialization is its strength.
“Since our main focus is solely on travel health, we have the flexibility to really refine the travel health experience,” she said. “We also carry every travel-related vaccine you can think of, and we’re certified as a CDC Yellow Fever Vaccination Center. This designation allows us to provide comprehensive travel health services. It also enhances our reputation as a trusted provider, contributing to public health efforts by helping to prevent the spread of disease in endemic areas.”
The clinic goes beyond the individual with customized care for groups such as large families, or school or corporate travel needs.
“We have set up ‘pop-up’ clinics on university campuses and in businesses to provide travel health services, making access much easier,” she said. “I also love seeing families traveling together, especially those with babies! My daughter, Lena, has had her passport and has traveled internationally at just 13 months old. I enjoy giving advice to parents about traveling with breast milk or formula, as well as travel-friendly car seats and strollers to ensure their little ones are safe on their journeys.”
Cain has put together a roster of medical professionals with years of experience and travel knowledge.
“I have a talented team who each bring unique strengths and experiences to our organization. Arnette Giles is a registered nurse with over two decades of experience in the healthcare field. Her extensive travels have not only broadened her perspective on global health issues but also enriched her ability to connect with diverse patient populations. Dr. Derrick Dean serves as our medical director and boasts a combined total of over 20 years of medical expertise. His leadership and vision are instrumental in our mission to create healthier communities, as he applies his extensive knowledge to develop effective health strategies and programs,” she said.
Travel Clinic NOLA’s prices vary according to the needs of the individual traveler and their destination. An office visit starts at $75, and from there travelers can request vaccinations or other prophylactic medications. The clinic also sells travel health kits that come stocked with essentials such as pain relievers, gastrointestinal medicine and bandages.
Cain has seen the business grow quickly in just a few years.
“New Orleans is a major hub for conventions and business events, so we often see convention-goers and business travelers getting vaccinated en route to their next destination,” she said. “Academia, oil and gas, technology, hospitality industries are examples of some of the backgrounds that I see here at the clinic.”
Travel Clinic NOLA also provides virtual travel consultations to patients from all over the country, assisting them with the necessary vaccinations for their travels.
“We also help individuals from the southeastern region, particularly those from Mississippi and Alabama, where access to travel-related services can be limited,” noted Cain. “Many of these individuals come to us for vaccinations and health advice before embarking on cruises from the port here in New Orleans. We also assist with immigration-required vaccines like polio and Tdap, ensuring that newcomers to the United States receive the vaccines they need to start their journey to citizenship.”
Cain is looking toward the debut of a specialized app aimed at placing travel healthcare resources at a patient’s fingertips.
The ‘To Go Health App,’ will offer travelers personalized health recommendations and real-time access to medical resources, including medical providers. It will feature a user-friendly interface that integrates with sources like the CDC and WHO, delivering information about health risks, vaccination recommendations and precautions for specific destinations. Additional features will include a symptom checker, emergency contacts, and the option to report and track health issues while traveling.
“We anticipate launching the app in late 2025,” said Cain. “I’m graduating with my MBA from Loyola University this summer, and its focus on practical business skills and ethical leadership will equip me with the strategic insights needed to drive growth and innovation at Travel Clinic NOLA.”
Travel Smart and Safe
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, travelers should make an appointment with a healthcare provider or travel health specialist at least 4-6 weeks before departure, especially because some vaccines require multiple doses.
Travelers should make sure to bring an official immunization record with them when they travel.
The CDC provides updated vaccine and travel information on their website, CDC.gov
Travel Clinic NOLA
900 Camp St., 4th Floor
504-982-OUCH
Travelclinicnola.com
