Any type of trip requires a lot of pre-planning before you go.
But travel plans to exotic places such as Africa, the Middle East and more require even more pre-planning. Besides choosing accommodations, transportation methods and luggage items, exotic destinations normally require certain vaccinations, too.
Before booking a trip to an exotic destination, here’s what you need to know about travel vaccinations.
Consult with the Government’s Travel Website for Necessary Vaccine Information
Whenever you leave Canada, you can become at risk for certain vaccine-preventable illnesses.
Depending on where you’re travelling to, the vaccinations needed can differ. Determining which vaccines are necessary is easy when you visit the Government of Canada’s Travel Vaccination website. Simply use the drop-down menu to select the country you are visiting to learn about the recommended and/or required vaccines you should receive prior to leaving Canada.
Vaccines can include Hepatitis A, Polio, Measles and Yellow Fever.
Check that Your Routine Vaccines are Up-to-Date
Regardless of your travel destination, it’s important to ensure that your routine vaccinations are up-to-date.
Many health care providers check this information regularly during an annual physical exam. However, it’s still recommended to consult with your health care provider to see when your last vaccinations for measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and other vaccines were administered.
At the same visit, your health care provider can review your health history to ensure you’re fit for international travel.
Allow for Plenty of Time to Receive Immunizations Before Your Trip
Although many vaccines can be administered quickly by your family physician, others required to be ordered ahead of time. That’s why it’s important that you plan to get your vaccinations well in advance of leaving Canada.
Yellow fever vaccine is one vaccine that is currently experiencing a shortage in Canada. The Public Health Agency of Canada has designated certain Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres throughout the country to administer the vaccine. It’s recommended that travellers contact a designated centre many weeks in advance of departure to ensure the vaccine is available.
Check with Your Drug Plan
Although costs associated with travel vaccines can vary, many travellers have drug plans that will cover the expense.
Consult your individual drug plan provider to see what coverage is available and speak to your pharmacist for more information.
Ensure You Have Proper Medical Documentation Before Departing
If a vaccine is required by a certain country, you must present International Health Regulations documentation at the country’s border or risk being denied entrance.
Whoever administers your travel vaccines should be familiar with the documentation required. Carry copies of your immunization records while you travel and leave the originals at home.
Ask Your Health Care Provider or Pharmacist for More Information
The vaccinations required when travelling abroad – and how to receive them – can get confusing. Your health care provider or trusted pharmacist can provide you with helpful information about the disease vaccinations needed for travelling abroad.
Contact the friendly, knowledgeable team at Brant Arts IDA today to discuss the travel vaccinations needed for your upcoming travels!
