Here’s a step-by-step overview of how SafeGard works—from your initial intake to receiving your prescribed vaccines and medications.
SafeGard is an online travel medical service that connects you with licensed travel medicine physicians and a nationwide network of pharmacies. SafeGard provides the medical consultation and prescription expertise; pharmacies provide the in-person administration of vaccines and dispensing of medications.
SafeGard itself does not sell its services directly. To begin, you’ll need a voucher from a participating pharmacy.
If you don’t have a voucher, you can purchase one from Costco here.
If you already have a voucher, start your intake at 🔗 https://patient.sgtravelmed.com
Part I: Online Medical Intake
1. Complete your intake
Submit your medical history and travel itinerary through our secure online portal. You’ll also select your preferred pharmacy. Most people take 10-30 minutes to complete the intake, depending on the complexity of your medical history and your itinerary.
2. Physician review
A travel medicine physician reviews your information and creates personalized recommendations. We’ll reach out if we need additional details.
3. Receive recommendations
You’ll receive your recommended vaccines and medications by email. At the same time, SafeGard transmits your prescriptions and vaccination orders electronically to your chosen pharmacy.
From the time your intake is submitted, we typically complete physician review and return your recommendations within 24-48 hours. We operate 7 days a week.
Contact us if you are traveling soon and require rush/expedited service. (See also: I'm traveling soon – do you provide rush or expedited service?)
Part II: Pharmacy Visit
4. Pharmacy contacts you
Your pharmacy will reach out within 48 hours of receiving your recommendations to schedule your vaccine appointment and prepare your medications.
If you haven’t heard from the pharmacy within two business days, or if you prefer to expedite, contact them directly and ask to speak with the pharmacist (not a technician). In many pharmacies, the pharmacist may have received your recommendations but has not yet relayed them to staff.
5. Receive your vaccines and medications
Visit the pharmacy in person to complete your appointment. The pharmacist will review the physician's recommendations with you during your appointment.
Please note that some vaccines are given in a series of shots and may require multiple visits. Therefore, we recommend leaving extra time before your trip when possible.
The entire process can be completed in as little as 24-48 hours when travel is urgent. Nonetheless, if your schedule allows, we recommend beginning the process 6-8 weeks before travel.
See also: How far in advance should I complete my consultation before my trip?