Immunizations
Travel Immunizations
Recommended immunizations
Talk with your health professional months in advance of a trip to determine whether any immunizations are recommended. Certain factors, such as your age and health, where you are going, and the length of your stay, affect your risk of disease and need for immunization.
Your age and health
People with certain medical conditions, such as immune system problems, may have different immunization recommendations than healthy people. In addition, young children may need to receive their routine vaccinations sooner than outlined in the recommended immunization schedule.
Where you travel
In most developed countries (including the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and western and northern European countries), the risk of exposure to serious diseases is generally no greater than it is in Canada.
The risk for exposure to serious disease may be much higher in developing countries (such as those in most parts of Africa and Asia and many parts of South and Central America) than it is in most developed countries. This is especially true for areas with poor sanitation (for example, poor water and food handling).
- For those planning travel to South America and Africa, the Travel Medicine Program of the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has issued travel immunization recommendations for yellow fever.
- Travellers to developing countries should take precautions to prevent hepatitis A infection, which may include getting immunizations. Additional immunizations, such as for typhoid fever, may be recommended. The need for these vaccines depends on your immunization history, the specific area you plan to visit, the time of year, and whether any outbreaks of disease have recently occurred.
How you travel and types of activities
Certain activities or modes of travel increase your risk of exposure to disease. These include:20
- Exploring rural areas or those off the usual tourist route.
- Backpacking trips.
- Visiting another country.
Length of stay
The longer you stay in a country, the more exposure you have to local pathogens that could cause harm.
Other immunizations
You can get information about travel immunizations by:
- Contacting your local health unit. If your health unit does not give immunizations for travellers, ask for the name of a travel clinic near you.
- Visiting the Web site of the Public Health Agency of Canada's Travel Medicine Program (TMP) at www.TravelHealth.gc.ca.
In Canada and some other countries, an oral vaccine (Dukoral) against cholera and E. coli bacteria that cause some forms of traveller's diarrhea is available for anyone age 2 or older.
For more information on immunizations and health related to travel, see the topic Travel Health.
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| Author: | Alison Allen Debby Golonka, MPH | Last Updated: January 29, 2008 |
| Medical Review: | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Andrew Swan, MD, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine | |
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