TRAVEL HEALTH SERVICES AND TRAVEL MEDICINE CONSULTANTS
When travelling outside of Canada, you could be at risk of contracting a number of illnesses that could be prevented with a vaccine. At MD Connected, we want you to be able to explore the world confidently. If you’re thinking of travelling abroad, speak with a doctor virtually at MD Connected for travel and vaccine advice.
THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT TRAVEL MEDICINE
Routine Immunizations
In addition to standard childhood vaccines, there are several vaccines that are recommended for adults looking to travel outside of Canada. Speak with a physician at MD Connected to ensure that you’re up to date on all routine immunizations, including:
- Tetanus/diphtheria
- Influenza (flu)
- Pertussis
- Measles/mumps/rubella
- Polio
- Pneumococcal (pneumonia)
- Herpes Zoster (shingles)
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Recommended Immunizations
When travelling abroad, you could encounter many vaccine-preventable diseases. Based on where you’re going, how long you’ll be there, and what your planned activities are, a doctor will be able to tell you which vaccines are right for you. Some common travel-related vaccines include:
- Hepatitis A and/or B
- Typhoid Fever
- Meningococcal (Meningitis)
- Cholera/Traveller’s Diarrhea
- Rabies
- Malaria
Required Immunizations
Some countries require that you provide proof of vaccination or other preventative healthcare measures before being allowed in. These can include:
Yellow Fever
Single shot given as early as 9 months old.
Quadrivalent Meningococcal (Meningitis)
First shot given at age 11, booster given at age 16
Polio
First shot given at age 11, booster given at age 16
Food and Water Precautions
One of the most common travel-related illnesses is travellers’ diarrhea. While consuming contaminated water or food can occur almost anywhere, the destinations with the highest risk include Asia (excluding Japan and South Korea), the Middle East, Africa, Mexico, and Central and South America.
While diarrhea is not life-threatening for healthy adults, it can ruin a trip, or at the very least, make it exceptionally unpleasant.
To avoid travellers’ diarrhea, choose your food and drinks carefully. Avoid tap water, wash fruits and vegetables from a clean water source (bottled), and make sure meat is well cooked. Shellfish might be tasty, but it’s also one of the most common sources of illness.
TRAVEL HEALTH AND VACCINATION SERVICES
IN TORONTO AND ACROSS CANADA
Before travelling, it’s important to talk with a travel health consultant, preferably six weeks before you leave. This is an excellent opportunity for you to:
The doctor will also be able to tell you if you need additional vaccinations depending on your age, travel activities, and local conditions.
BOOK A TRAVEL HEALTH CHECKUP WITH
VIRTUAL DOCTORS AT MD CONNECTED
The licensed physicians and healthcare professionals at MD Connected specialize in keeping travellers safe. As a leader in online healthcare in Toronto and across Canada, MD Connected is changing the way Canadians access healthcare.
Our virtual healthcare doctors will provide you with an end-to-end experience through diagnosis, assessment, treatment plan, notes and forms. Pick the service that’s right for you, whether it’s through one of our telemedicine walk-in clinics or virtually from home.
MD Connected Ltd is led by a diverse team of doctors with varying backgrounds and provides its specialty services in multiple languages. To learn more about MD Connected, contact us by visiting www.mdconnected.ca or e-mail us at mydoc@mdconnected.ca.
