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Company Overview With 17 locations, TMVC is the largest medical facility in British Columbia specializing in travel and occupational medicine services and immunizations. Travel clinics are staffed by doctors, nurse practitioners, and nurses with a broad range of experience and interest in travel medicine.  The company is privately owned and operated and was founded in… | more info

We are looking for a Travel Nurse Immunizer for our Revelstoke clinic.  To find out details and to apply for this position, please see the job description here.

A big thank you to everybody who responded to our customer survey over the past month. Your input is highly appreciated, and we are already implementing your feedback. You told us and we listened. Effective today we’ve reduced the  consultation fee for a single traveller from $45 to $40. Over the next few months, you… | more info

As an update on our earlier post on increased flu activity, you may find this report on CBC interesting:   Flu season hitting British Columbians earlier   The flu vaccine is still available and recommended by the Public Health Agency of Canada for travellers year round.  

It is not too late to receive the seasonal flu vaccine.  According to flu watch, Canada’s national surveillance system that monitors the spread of flu and flu-like illnesses, Influenza activity continued to increase last week.   A total of 414 laboratory detections of influenza were reported, of which 97.3% were for influenza A viruses, predominantly A(H3N2). … | more info

Over the last week, the flu vaccine occupied the headlines more than once. First there was a Travel Health Notice released by the the Public Health Agency of Canada promoting the flu vaccine to travellers as the most effective way to protect yourself from the flu.   In a cruel twist of unfortunate timing, a couple of… | more info

We are pleased to inform our customers that following last month’ recall of  all stocked injectable typhoid vaccine (Typhim), we received the first deliveries of new, unaffected product. Because of our long standing relationship with vaccine manufacturer Sanofi,  TMVC is one one of the few clinics nationwide to receive new Typhim stock and we are happy to once again be able… | more info

Health Canada has completed its review of safety information for Agriflu and Fluad and is releasing the two seasonal flu vaccines for immediate use. As a precautionary step, the products were temporarily pulled from distribution last week by the manufacturer and held from use in flu vaccination clinics at the request of Health Canada while… | more info

Following the announcement from Health Canada to suspend distribution of  the flu vaccines Fluad and Agriflu produced by Novartis, we’d like to let concerned customers know TMVC has not  used the affected flu vaccines this season.   The flu vaccine used by TMVC since early October is Vaxigrip from Sanofi Pasteur . For more information… | more info

Following a report on CBC News regarding a nation wide typhoid fever vaccine recall, we would like to assure our clients that TMVC is fully complying with the voluntary recall. Vaccine maker Sanofi informed us early last week of a potential potency issue with certain batches of their Typhim Vi vaccine.   All our locations were immediately notified and… | more info

At our Victoria clinic the staff collects donations for dolls for needy children in Africa.   Recently, we were given two huge bags of these rag dolls and we were searching for someone with space to spare to take them to Africa.   Ken from ICross obliged. I thought I would share this letter & pictures we received from… | more info

Flu season is on its way. Did you know that up to 20% of your employees may be affected, translating into lost time, lost productivity, and increased costs for overtime and replacement staff. Annual flu vaccinations can help keep your employees and your bottom line healthy. Flu vaccinations are proven to be up to 90% effective—a… | more info

“Helping to keep your employees healthy is our business” Influenza virus, commonly known as the flu, can bring a company to a grinding halt much the same as a computer virus can. While a smart company will invest in the latest software to protect their computers against a computer virus, an intelligent company will also… | more info

This year the Hajj,  the pilgrimage to Mecca and the largest annual gathering in the world, will take place from October 24th  to 29th.  It is estimated that over 3 million Muslims are planning to participate in the upcoming Hajj. Travelers are advised to plan ahead and see a travel health specialist at least 6 weeks… | more info

We often counsel travelers who mention that they will purchase their malaria pills at their travel destination.  Main reason cited is of course money.  Drug prices are at a premium in Canada and purchasing the same drugs in other countries can be a huge cost saver. However, travelers need to be aware that they might get… | more info

Both the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) and PHAC recently issued alerts to advise travellers to the Summer Olympic Games in London about the risk of contracting measles from fellow travellers. There has been a rise of measles cases in recent years with outbreaks in many areas of the world including Europe and North America.  At… | more info

Prevnar 13 is now licensed for adults over 50 and available for purchase at TMVC.  Wondering if this vaccine is for you?  Here are some commonly asked questions and answers: What is the PCV 13 vaccine? The PCV 13 vaccine is a vaccine that protects against 13 types of pneumococcal bacteria which cause invasive pneumococcal… | more info

On the backdrop of the recent Rabies case in a traveller returning from the Dominican Republic, we like to remind travelers to inform themselves about risk factors, vaccinations and treatment.  Rabies is an acute viral disease that attacks the brain and the nervous system usually transmitted by the bite (saliva) of an infected mammal.  Untreated,… | more info

Vancouver Coastal Health has seen an increase in pertussis activity since January 2012. Thirty-six confirmed cases have been reported from schools, workplaces, and the community as of March 22nd. Following this increase, VCH expanded the eligibility criteria for the free Adacel vaccine to include: All pregnant women and their partners (prenatally if possible, or post-partum before… | more info

We often receive email or phone inquiries wanting to know what vaccines are needed for an upcoming trip. Assessing the need for vaccinations requires a compehensive assessment taking into account the individuals vaccination history, health history and specific itinerary.  For example, you might already have received a series of Hepatitis A or Hepatitis B shots, so even though they… | more info

Pertussis has now been diagnosed in residents in several Fraser North and South communities, raising concern that the pertussis outbreak originally centered in Fraser East may be spreading more broadly. To further protect very young children, Fraser Health Public Health is recommending that adults and youth (including pregnant women and their partners) who live in… | more info

Following today’s report in the Vancouver Sun about the spread of the Pertussis outbreak in the Fraser Health Region, we are seeing an increase in questions from concerned clients. The best protection against Pertussis is through vaccination. Parents are encouraged to make sure their children are fully immunized and adults who are in regular contact with… | more info

Are you getting excited about your upcoming trip to an exotic destination? Did you know that malaria transmission occurs in over 100 tropical and subtropical countries around the world? Protect yourself before your travel and consult with our travel health specialists in one of 17 clinics across BC. Our nurses and Dr. will assess your… | more info

Travellers are reminded that the flu can strike anywhere, even during your tropical vacation.   Influenza season in the northern hemisphere usually lasts from November to April. There may still be occasional cases or outbreaks at any time of the year. In the southern hemisphere the flu season is between April and October and in the tropics the flu… | more info

Travellers to Thailand should be aware of the Travel Health notice published by the Public Health Agency of Canada at http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/tmp-pmv/thn-csv/thai-flood-inondation-eng.php Travellers to Thailand not able to postpone their trip, are strongly advised to book a consultation with one of our health professionals to learn about the latest recommendations and disease concerns.

Did you know that if you’ve had chickenpox, you could get shingles. Shingles is a painful condition, often associated with a blistering rash typically occurring on one side of the body or face. Shingles, also known as Herpes Zoster, can cause excruciating pain. The rash often lasts several weeks. Shingles can result in serious complications such… | more info

The NACI (National Advisory Committee on Immunizations) just published a Statement on Seasonal Influenza Vaccine at http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/publicat/ccdr-rmtc/11vol37/acs-dcc-5/index-eng.php.  Interested members of the public are invited to inform themselves about the Influenza Vaccine. A couple of key points to note: Egg allergy no longer deemed to be a contraindication for influenza vaccine NACI “encourages influenza vaccine for all… | more info

We are happy to announce that for the upcoming flu season we will have a vaccine available that might appeal to the needlephobes among you.  Flumist is a flu vaccine sprayed into the nose, no poking with needles required.  If you think this might be something for you, please read on. Who can be vaccinated… | more info

We are pleased to announce that we have just received our first shipment of flu vaccine. According to Ray Christopherson, TMVC’s owner, “this is the earliest date I can remember receiving the flu vaccine in my 20 years experience”. He added, “it’s a mistake to assume that flu shots are only for the elderly. In… | more info

In response of the tragic and sudden death of Brandon Kurtz from bacterial meningitis  our phone lines have been busy with inquiries from concerned parents. Brandon had previously received the provincially funded routine vaccination against meningococcal meningitis.  BC routine childhood immunizations include Men-C at 2 month, 12 month and in Grade 6.   Men-C does cover against Meningitis… | more info

Memories of summer still linger, yet we at TMVC are ramping up for the upcoming influenza season. The first vaccine shipments are arriving towards the end of September.  This year we will use Vaxigrip and Agriflu – both are the same vaccine but Agriflu  has no preservatives (Thimersol). We provide flu vaccines not only to interested travellers,… | more info

This year the Hajj,  the pilgrimage to Mecca and the largest annual gathering in the world, will take place November 4 to 9.  It is estimated that over 3 million Muslims are planning to participate in the upcoming Hajj. Travelers are advised to plan ahead and see a travel health specialist at least 6 weeks… | more info

New information on the evolving situation regarding Yellow Fever entry requirements for South Africa has become available. According to the latest South African government information, effective 1 October 2011  travellers from Zambia will be required to have a valid yellow fever certificate when entering South Africa. You can find the official SA government announcement at:… | more info

There is continous confusion and conflicting information around the entry requirements for South Africa and Zambia with regards to the yellow fever vaccine. Staff at TMVC is monitoring the situation closely.   Here is a summary of the latest information available: According to the latest South African government information travellers to and from Zambia are… | more info

Check out this great article about why travel vaccinations and consultations by experienced travel medicine experts are important here.

As you are most probably aware there is currently a large E. coli outbreak in Europe, which has resulted in a number of deaths. While the rate of new infections seems to be declining, if you are travelling to or returning from we advise you follow the recommendations of the Public Health Agency of Canada. Recommendations… | more info

NEWS RELEASE: IMMUNIZATION PROTECTS EVERYONE. National Immunization Awareness Week in Canada is April 23 to 30, 2011.April 19, 2011 (OTTAWA, ON) – As you grow, you don’t outgrow your need for immunization! The Canadian Immunization Guide recommends immunization beginning as an infant and continuing through all stages of life. “Following a standard schedule ensures that the… | more info

Vancouver Coastal Health reports a mumps outbreak in Whistler with 15 lab confirmed cases in young adults. Mumps is a virus is spread by saliva and respiratory droplets. Because of the way the virus is spread, young adults are advised to observe good hygiene (hand washing , coughing technique) and not to share: Cigarettes or… | more info

On the background of recent measles outbreaks worldwide, we like to remind travelers of the importance of being vaccinated. Measles is the leading cause of vaccine-preventable deaths in children worldwide. It is a highly contagious disease spread by sneezing or coughing. You can also catch measles by coming into contact with secretions from the nose… | more info

At TMVC our goal is that you travel safe and healthy.  Travelers coming in for a consult are often surprised that our travel health specialist might also touch on subjects like cultural awareness, traveling alone and common scams. My personal experience with travel scams is that if it sounds to good, it probably is.  I… | more info

What is Typhoid Fever Typhoid Fever is a bacterial infection of the digestive tract caused by Salmonella typhi.  It is spread via food and water contaminated with fecal matter frm an infected human carrier.  Typhoid is often transmitted by person-to-person contact, especially through food handlers.    What is the risk of getting typhoid fever? Typhoid is… | more info

One of our doctors recently visited Mexico and was made aware of possible issues with alcoholic drinks being tainted. To cut cost, drinks at times are laced with methanol (rubbing alcohol).  If you are offered a free drink, be aware that you might get what you pay for!   When your drink is poured look for a plastic insert… | more info

I thought I’d relate a personal travel story from the time when I cycled through South America. My travel partner and I had been on the road for more than a year. We had our travel vaccinations, survived a few cases of Montezuma’s revenge and enjoyed our vagabond lifestyle. We were street smart, spoke Spanish… | more info

Parents of children aged 12 month to 12 year might be interested to know that the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) now recommends a 2 dose primary vaccination schedule for varicella (chicken pox) in children. Recent studies have shown that a single dose varicella schedule in children is not adequate for long term protection… | more info

Most people don’t realize that even in Europe, where travel is generally considered safe, dangers can lurk for the unsuspecting travelers. If you are traveling to certain areas in Europe, you want to protect yourself against Tick-Borne Encephalitis. What is Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE)? TBE is a viral disease of the central nervous system. The TBE… | more info

Dreaming of the cruise of your life time to exotic ports and tropical lands? Disease risk is something your travel agent usually does not tell you about before you pull out the credit card and pay for your trip. This can be problematic for various reasons. Sometimes, you might not have enough time for necessary… | more info

Pregnancy is not an illness nor does it mean you automatically will need to cancel a planned trip. However, to keep yourself and your unborn baby safe, you should plan ahead to prepare, make sure you have all the necessary vaccinations and make some special allowances with regards to your itinerary. Here are some guidelines… | more info

Water sustains life and is important to keep yourself well-hydrated when travelling.  Here are some common sense recommendations to stay safe and healthy.  Bottled or “fizzy” water, canned or bottled carbonated drinks, beer, wine and hot beverages (tea or coffee) made with boiled water are the only safe drinks in areas with poor sanitation and… | more info

One of my most treasured travel memories is the food.  Spicy soups in Thailand, Dal Bhat in Nepal, Gado Gado in Indonesia, Onion Tart in the Alsace region of France, pigs knuckles in Germany, curries in India, purple potatoes in Peru, BBQ’d bugs and snake and other exotic dishes in markets all over the world have influenced… | more info

Insects have a remarkable ability to adapt, and they can reproduce in almost any environment.  Insects can act as simple carriers of bacteria, viruses or parasites, or they can serve as part of the life cycle for certain organisms.   In addition to bites and bumps, insects are responsible for spreading a wide variety of diseases,… | more info

You went in to get your shots and now are wondering if the symptoms you are experiencing are normal?  Here are some general guidelines to help you feel at ease: Vaccines rarely cause serious side effects or reactions.  The most common side effects are local reactions of tenderness and redness at the injection site.  This… | more info

On the backdrop of recent Rabies outbreaks in Bali, we like to remind travelers to inform themselves about risk factors, vaccinations and treatment.  Rabies is an acute viral disease that attacks the brain and the nervous system usually transmitted by the bite (saliva) of an infected mammal.  Untreated, Rabies is deadly.   To date this year,… | more info

The World Health Organization reports that over 12 million people in Burkina Faso will receive a new meningitis vaccine by the end of 2010. The vaccine is expected to rid the meningitis belt – stretching from Senegal in the west to Ethiopia in the east – of the primary cause of epidemic meningitis. Priced under US$ 0.50 per dose the vaccine is an affordable solution to one of the region’s biggest health problems. | more info

Influenza or Flu, still represents a high burden on people that work, and businesses are starting to notice. It drains the energy from the employee and contributes to absenteeism. | more info

Since the Cholera outbreak in Haiti after the 2010 Haiti earthquake there have been more than nine thousand hospitalized cases with no signs of the disease slowing down. | more info

The renowned newspaper has put up a list of great gadgets to travel abroad with. Among other things, it recommends unlocking your old phones, using skype on your laptop, and thinking about getting a smartphone. No wonder they recommend “Pack lightly – but not too lightly”. Depending on your trip, it’s always a good idea… | more info