IMMUNIZATION

Immunization, or vaccination, is the process of introducing a vaccine into the body to trigger the development of antibodies, which stay in your body and make you immune or resistant to the disease. Immunization is a safe and effective method for controlling and eliminating infectious disease, which is why vaccinations are required for travel to most countries. The Ancaster Travel Medicine Clinic can ensure that you receive the required and recommended vaccines, so that you stay healthy on your trip.

YELLOW FEVER

Yellow fever is a mosquito-borne disease that is found in the tropical areas of Africa and South America. There is no treatment for yellow fever but it can be prevented with a vaccine, which is why vaccination is recommended and, in some instances, required for travel to these regions. In Canada, the yellow fever vaccine is only available at travel medicine clinics that are designated by the Public Health Agency of Canada. The Ancaster Travel Medicine Clinic is one of the designated clinics.

GROUP TRIPS

If you are planning to travel with a group, whether for a school trip, business trip, missionary work or even a vacation with a group of friends or family, there is often a long checklist of travel health tasks to complete. The Ancaster Travel Medicine Clinic can help coordinate immunizations for the members of your group and provide information on how to prevent other diseases, illnesses and health issues you might encounter on your trip. We can even meet at a location that is convenient for your group.

SPECIAL NEEDS

Travelling with disability or a chronic illness, such as a diabetes, epilepsy, kidney disease, heart disease or inflammatory bowel disease, can be stressful –but it doesn’t have to be. The Ancaster Travel Medicine Clinic can provide consultation and medication to take some of the stress out of travelling with special needs. We can also offer consultation and support services for those that are elderly, pregnant, breastfeeding or travelling with children.

UMRAH and HAJJ

If you are planning to participate in either of the Islamic pilgrimages, known as Hajj and Umrah, you will need to take special precautions for your trip. The health requirements for these pilgrimages are published by the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Health each year, to reflect changes in global health, but a meningococcal meningitis vaccine is required and seasonal influenza vaccination is recommended, due to the large crowds that gather at the pilgrimages. The Ancaster Travel Medicine Clinic can help ensure that you are prepared, so that you can focus on your pilgrimage.

BEFORE LEAVING

• Make sure your passport is up to date

• Make sure you are properly vaccinated

• Fill any prescription medications that you require

• Let your bank know that you will be travelling

• Take currency out from the bank

• Check for travel warnings and advisories

• Register your travel plans with your embassy

• Purchase travel insurance for any activities you plan to take part in

• Purchase a travel plan for your cell phone

• Download apps that will help with travel, language and money conversion

BEFORE LEAVING

BE PREPARED

• Carry proof of vaccination

• Bring original package and script for prescription medications

• Carry copies of your passport, credit card, bank card, health card and insurance

• Pack first aid supplies, such as bandages, gauze and ointment

• Bring medication for pain, fever, cold, stomach and allergies as well as motion and altitude sickness medication, if needed

• Bring sunscreen and sunburn relief as well as insect repellent and sting relief

• Pack clothing for any possible weather conditions

• Bring hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes

BE PREPARED

WHILE AWAY

• Eat cooked food, instead of fresh fruits and vegetables

• Don’t drink or brush your teeth with unfiltered or untreated water

• Drink plenty of water to keep hydrated

• Be careful of swimming in contaminated water

• Wear insect repellent and bug net clothing

• Be cautious around animals, both wild and domestic

• Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer frequently

• Use and inspect safety equipment

• Drink in layers to be prepared for weather changes

• Be aware of potential weather events

WHILE AWAY

UPON RETURN

• Let your doctor know if you feel unwell in any way after you return home

• If you have been taking malaria medication, continue to take it for the full course

• Check your bank and credit card statements for fraudulent charges

• Wash your clothing, even if unworn

• Check your luggage for insects

• Cancel the travel plan on your cell phone    

• Take some melatonin and catch up on sleep

• Drink lots of water and focus on eating healthy

• Make any travel of health insurance claims as soon as possible

UPON RETURN