Which vaccines should I get before I travel abroad?
Planning a trip soon? Depending on your destination, you may need to get certain vaccines to protect yourself against tropical diseases. You should also take the opportunity to make sure you’re up-to-date on booster shots for your routine vaccines.Do I need to get vaccinated against tropical diseases?
If you’re planning a trip to South America, Africa and Asia, you may require protection against certain diseases that are prevalent there.
Vaccine |
You may need it if… |
Cholera/Traveller’s Diarrhea |
|
Japanese Encephalitis |
|
Yellow Fever |
|
Typhoid |
|
Rabies |
|
To check which vaccines are required for your travel destination, visit the Government of Canada website at https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/health-safety/vaccines.
Do I need any routine vaccinations?
Tetanus can be contracted anywhere in the world, so it is important to ensure you are immunized. Since diphtheria vaccine also requires a routine booster dose, a tetanus-diphtheria (Td) combination vaccine is strongly recommended.
Other vaccines may also be recommended, depending on your destination, lifestyle, age, or health. These may include the influenza, pneumococcal, meningococcal and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines.
Where to get vaccinated?
Be sure to check whether you need any vaccines at least 6 weeks before your departure date, as some vaccines require more than one dose and additional time for the vaccines to work.
While booster shots for routine vaccines are provided free of charge for eligible individuals with a provincial health plan, there may be a fee for other vaccines. Depending on your private insurance plan, these fees may be partially or fully reimbursed.
Many pharmacies also offer vaccination and traveal health services. Your pharmacist can even administer some vaccines - ask them whether these services are available at your pharmacy. Alternatively, you may also consult a travel health clinic.
The pharmacy services presented in this section are offered by pharmacist owners who are affiliated with Uniprix. The pharmacists are solely responsible for the professional activities carried out during the practice of pharmacy. These services are offered in participating pharmacies only. Certain fees and conditions may apply.
* The information contained herein is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide complete information on the subject matter or to replace the advice of a health professional. This information does not constitute medical consultation, diagnosis or opinion and should not be interpreted as such. Please consult your health care provider if you have any questions about your health, medications or treatment.