What Novavax Travel Clinics Offer

Novavax travel clinics are vaccination sites where you can receive the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine before international travel. Novavax is a protein-based COVID-19 vaccine made by the pharmaceutical company Novavax, and some travelers prefer it over mRNA vaccines like Pfizer or Moderna. Travel clinics that stock Novavax can give you this specific vaccine option, along with other travel-related shots you might need — such as yellow fever, typhoid, or hepatitis vaccines — all in one visit.

Not every travel clinic carries Novavax. Availability depends on the clinic's inventory, your location, and current vaccine supply. Some clinics order it on request, while others keep it in stock regularly. The vaccine requires two doses given three weeks apart for the primary series, so timing matters if your trip is coming up soon.

Key Takeaways

  • Novavax is a protein-based COVID-19 vaccine available at some travel clinics, but not all clinics stock it or offer it routinely.
  • You will need to call ahead or check a clinic's website to confirm they have Novavax in stock before booking an appointment.
  • The primary series requires two doses given three weeks apart, so plan your vaccination timeline around your travel dates.
  • Travel clinics can often give you multiple vaccines in one visit, including Novavax and other travel-related shots you may need.
  • Insurance coverage and out-of-pocket costs for Novavax vary by clinic and insurance plan, so ask about pricing when you call.

How to Find a Novavax Travel Clinic Near You

Start by searching online for "travel clinic near me" or "travel health clinic" in your area. Major pharmacy chains like CVS and Walgreens sometimes offer travel vaccines, though Novavax availability at these locations is inconsistent. Your primary care doctor can also refer you to a travel clinic in your network.

Once you have a list of clinics, call each one and ask directly: "Do you have Novavax COVID-19 vaccine in stock?" or "Can you order Novavax for me?" Some clinics will tell you they have it available; others will say they can order it but need a few days' notice. A few may not carry it at all. Write down which clinics have it and which ones require advance notice.

If you live in a rural area or a region with limited travel clinic options, you may need to travel to a larger city or consider mRNA vaccines instead. Some state health departments maintain lists of travel clinics on their websites, which can help you find options you might have missed.

What to Bring to Your Appointment

Bring your passport or a copy of it, since travel clinics often need to confirm your destination and check vaccination requirements for that country. Bring your insurance card and a photo ID. If you have received COVID-19 vaccines before, bring your vaccination card or a record of those doses — the clinic needs to know your vaccination history to determine whether you need one dose, two doses, or a booster.

Bring a list of any medications you take and any allergies you have, especially allergies to vaccine ingredients. If you have had a severe allergic reaction to any vaccine in the past, tell the clinic staff before your appointment so they can review your history with the pharmacist or doctor.

Wear loose, short-sleeved clothing to make it easier for the nurse to access your arm. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to complete any paperwork the clinic requires.

Timing Your Novavax Doses Before Travel

The Novavax primary series is two doses given 21 days (three weeks) apart. The CDC considers you fully vaccinated 14 days after your second dose. This means if you want to be fully vaccinated before travel, you need to start at least 35 days before your trip — 21 days between doses plus 14 days after the second dose.

If your trip is sooner than 35 days away, you can still receive Novavax, but you will not be fully vaccinated by the time you leave. Some countries or airlines may have different rules about what counts as "fully vaccinated," so check your destination's current requirements before booking your appointment.

If you have already received a COVID-19 vaccine (any brand) and want to switch to Novavax for a booster, ask the clinic about timing. The rules for mixing vaccine types and spacing between doses change periodically, so the clinic staff can tell you what applies to your situation.

Cost and Insurance Coverage

Novavax COVID-19 vaccines are free for uninsured people in the United States through the federal government's vaccine programs. If you have insurance, your plan may cover Novavax at no cost to you, though some plans require you to use an in-network provider. Call your insurance company or the travel clinic to confirm your coverage before your appointment.

Travel clinics may charge a consultation fee separate from the vaccine cost — this fee covers the nurse or doctor's time to review your health history and recommend other vaccines you might need. This fee is typically not covered by insurance and ranges widely depending on the clinic. Ask about the total cost, including any consultation fees, when you call to confirm Novavax availability.

If cost is a barrier, ask the clinic whether they have a sliding scale fee or whether they can refer you to a lower-cost option. Some public health departments offer travel vaccines at reduced cost to uninsured or low-income people.

Other Vaccines You May Need at the Same Visit

Travel clinics do more than give COVID-19 vaccines. Depending on your destination, you may need yellow fever, typhoid, hepatitis A or B, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, or other vaccines. The clinic will review your travel itinerary and your vaccination history to recommend which ones are right for you.

One advantage of going to a travel clinic instead of your regular doctor is that travel clinics specialize in destination-specific information and often have a wider range of vaccines in stock. You can often receive multiple vaccines in one visit, though some vaccines must be spaced apart by a certain number of days. The clinic staff will schedule your doses so you get everything you need before you leave.

If you are traveling with children or have other family members going on the same trip, bring them to the same appointment so the clinic can review their vaccination needs too.

What Happens After Your Vaccination

After you receive Novavax, you will be asked to wait 15 minutes in the clinic to make sure you do not have an when ready allergic reaction. This is standard for all vaccines. Most people experience no side effects or mild ones like arm soreness, fatigue, or low-grade fever that resolve within a day or two.

The clinic will give you a vaccination record card showing the date you received Novavax, the lot number, and the site where you were vaccinated. Keep this card with your passport — some countries or airlines may ask to see proof of vaccination. Take a photo of it as a backup in case you lose the physical card.

Mark your calendar for your second dose appointment 21 days after your first dose. If you miss that appointment, ask the clinic when you can reschedule. There is some flexibility in the timing, but staying close to the 21-day interval is ideal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get Novavax if I already had COVID-19?

Yes. If you had COVID-19 in the past, you can still receive Novavax. The timing depends on when you had COVID-19 and whether you have received other COVID-19 vaccines. The clinic will review your history and tell you when you can receive Novavax. Current CDC guidance allows vaccination as soon as you have recovered, though some people choose to wait a few weeks.

Is Novavax accepted for international travel?

Novavax is recognized by the World Health Organization and is accepted by most countries, but requirements vary. Some countries may have specific rules about which COVID-19 vaccines they recognize or may require a booster dose regardless of which vaccine you received. Check your destination country's current entry requirements before your appointment to confirm Novavax will meet their rules.

What if the travel clinic does not have Novavax in stock?

Ask whether they can order it and how long it will take to arrive. If they cannot order it or the timeline does not work for your trip, ask for a referral to another clinic that carries it. You can also contact your state health department or local public health office — they may know which clinics in your area stock Novavax.

Can I mix Novavax with other COVID-19 vaccines?

Yes, you can receive Novavax as a booster even if your primary series was an mRNA vaccine, or vice versa. The clinic staff can advise you on spacing and timing based on your vaccination history and how much time you have before your trip.

Do I need an appointment, or can I walk in?

Most travel clinics require an appointment, especially if they need to order Novavax for you. Call ahead to schedule. Walk-in availability depends on the clinic's staffing and inventory, so do not count on it if your travel date is soon.