Travel Vaccines & Medicine
WHAT IS TRAVEL MEDICINE?
Travel medicine is what helps keeps you safe when you’re on your global adventure. These shots and medicines give you the confidence to eat, drink, work, and play wherever you are in the world. They won’t make you invincible, but they will protect you from a nasty illness.
WHAT IS TRAVEL MEDICINE?
Travel medicine is what helps keeps you safe when you’re on your global adventure. These shots and medicines give you the confidence to eat, drink, work, and play wherever you are in the world. They won’t make you invincible, but they will protect you from a nasty illness.
REQUIRED VACCINATIONS
These are vaccines you MUST have in order to get into certain countries. The big one here is Yellow Fever.
Meningitis ACYW
WHAT IS IT ?
A bacteria that infects the brain
HOW DO I GET IT?
From being around other people that carry the disease
WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?
Antibiotics can be tried but there is a high failure rate The disease can progress so quickly it is often too late Vaccination is the only effective prevention
THE HAJJ AND MENINGITIS
Heading To The Hajj? See here for more information.
Polio
WHAT IS IT ?
Polio is a virus
HOW DO I GET IT?
Ingesting the virus by mouth after contact with people that carry it
WHAT HAPPENS?
Polio causes paralysis and infects the nervous system often with permanent long-term damage to the nerves that control muscles and movement
WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?
There is no treatment Vaccination is the only way to prevent it
An adult booster is required for travel to some countries
Yellow Fever
WHAT IS IT?
A virus found in South America and Africa.
HOW DO I GET IT?
From the bite of a mosquito.
WHAT HAPPENS?
Yellow Fever affects multiple organs; heart, lung, and bowel and can result in uncontrolled bleeding in around 15% of people.
At this stage, up to 20-50% of people will die.
WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?
There is no treatment for Yellow Fever.
Vaccination is the only effective way to prevent the disease.
*Some countries will deny entry without proof of vaccination.
ROUTINE VACCINATIONS
These are typically vaccinations you get as a child that might require a booster. These shots are usually covered by MSP.
Influenza
WHAT IS IT?
A virus that infects the respiratory system.
HOW DO I GET IT?
Through droplets spread by people who are infected.
WHAT HAPPENS?
Symptoms vary but at its worst, it can be fatal.
This is especially true for younger children and the elderly, or people with other medical problems.
WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?
There is no effective drug treatment.
Vaccination is the best prevention.
Mumps Measles & Rubella (MMR)
HOW DO I GET IT?
From being around people that have these viruses
These people may not be displaying symptoms at the time
WHAT HAPPENS?
People can become very sick from these diseases
Complications include meningitis, pneumonia and infertility
Some can even be fatal
WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?
There are no treatments
However vaccination is an effective prevention for these diseases
The vaccine is always combined for these diseases
If you didn’t have them in your childhood you should get 2 shots of MMR to complete immunity
Pneumonia
WHAT IS IT ?
A lung infection caused by a variety of bacteria
HOW DO I GET IT?
By inhaling airborne droplets typically spread by people who carry the bacteria or have the disease
WHAT HAPPENS?
The disease usually lasts weeks
Severity can vary and complications include lung abscess and fatality despite treatment
WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?
Vaccination in susceptible individuals is highly effective at preventing common causes of the disease
There are 2 shots available, each protects against multiple types of bacteria
Polio
WHAT IS IT ?
Polio is a virus
HOW DO I GET IT?
Ingesting the virus by mouth after contact with people that carry it
WHAT HAPPENS?
Polio causes paralysis and infects the nervous system often with permanent long-term damage to the nerves that control muscles and movement
WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?
There is no treatment Vaccination is the only way to prevent it
An adult booster is required for travel to some countries
Tetanus Diphtheria (Td)
WHAT IS IT?
Tetanus is a toxin produced by a bacteria that lives in soil
Diphtheria is caused by a bacteria that infects the respiratory system
It produces a toxin that can affect the heart, skin and nervous system
HOW DO I GET THESE DISEASES?
Tetanus: From cuts that get dirt in them. Eg: falling off a motorbike and getting ‘road rash’
Diphtheria: From being around other people who carry the disease
WHAT HAPPENS?
Tetanus: Can cause severe muscle spasms and admission to intensive care is often required
Symptoms can last for weeks
Without proper care it can be fatal
Diphtheria: Can be treated with antitoxin and antibiotics
Untreated it can be fatal
WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?
Vaccination is an effective prevention for both tetanus and diphtheria
A booster should be given every 10 years
Tetanus Diphtheria Whooping Cough/Pertussis (TdaP)
WHAT IS IT?
Tetanus is a toxin produced by a bacteria that lives in soil.
Diphtheria is caused by a bacteria that infects the respiratory system.
Pertussis is a type of bacteria that causes whooping cough.
HOW DO I GET THESE DISEASES?
Tetanus: From cuts that get dirt in them. Eg: falling off a motorbike and getting ‘road rash’.
Diphtheria: From being around other people who carry the disease.
Pertussis: Droplets spread from people who have the disease.
WHAT HAPPENS?
Tetanus: Can cause severe muscle spasms and admission to intensive care is often required.
Symptoms can last for weeks.
Without proper care, it can be fatal.
Diphtheria: Can be treated with antitoxin and antibiotics.
Untreated it can be fatal.
Pertussis: Fever, malaise, and a barking cough which can last weeks.
WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?
Vaccination is an effective prevention for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis.
A booster should be given every 10 years.
RECOMMENDED VACCINATIONS
Chikungunya (IXCHIQ)
What is
Chikungunya is a viral illness transmitted by mosquitoes, causing symptoms like fever, joint pain, and rash. It is usually not fatal, but the joint pain can last for weeks or months, causing significant discomfort
HOW DO I GET IT?
Chikungunya is contracted through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, which is active during the day. The mosquitoes become infected when they bite a person already infected with the virus
WHAT HAPPENS?
Common symptoms include sudden fever, severe joint pain (especially in the hands, feet, and knees), headaches, rash, and muscle pain. Joint pain can persist for a long time in some cases, even after the fever subsides
WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?
Get vaccinated
Minimize mosquito bites by using insecticide sprays and insect repellents containing at least 30% DEET
Limit your outdoor activities
Wear permethrin-treated clothing
Cholera (Dukoral)
WHAT IS IT ?
Cholera is a bacteria that causes profuse watery diarrhea
HOW DO I GET IT?
From ingesting contaminated food and water and also person to person
WHAT HAPPENS?
Symptoms vary in severity but include vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramps
It is easy to get dehydrated quickly
Untreated 50-70% die
WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?
Rehydration orally or intravenous if necessary
Antibiotics may help but there is increasing resistance to them and they are not a guaranteed fix
Dukoral offers protection against most types of cholera
Hepatitis A
WHAT IS IT?
A virus that infects the liver.
HOW DO I GET IT?
From foods and drinks that have been handled by people that carry the virus.
WHAT HAPPENS?
Hepatitis A varies in severity from a flu-like illness to requiring hospitalization.
It is rarely fatal.
WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?
There is no treatment for hepatitis A.
Vaccination is safe and effective at preventing hepatitis A.
Hepatitis A & B Combined (Twinrix):
WHAT IS IT?
A shot that contains both hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines
TMVC uses the vaccine Twinrix
Note: you will need more than 1 shot to get immunity
There are various schedules that can be used depending on your previous vaccinations and time-line
Hepatitis B
WHAT IS IT?
A virus that infects the liver.
HOW DO I GET IT?
You can catch it from unsterilized needles, sexual intercourse, unscreened blood transfusions, and other equipment like spa and tattooing tools that have not been sterilized effectively.
IS IT SERIOUS?
There is an immediate illness which can be serious and sometimes fatal.
But even after recovery, some people will carry the virus for life.
Cirrhosis (permanent liver damage) and liver failure can develop over years.
WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?
Hepatitis B can be treated with a course of drugs that often lasts months.
The treatment itself can result in unpleasant side effects and is not always effective.
Some people do not respond to the treatment.
Vaccination is safe and effective in preventing hepatitis B.
HPV(Gardasil) Vaccine
WHAT IS IT?
A virus that can cause warts and cervical, oral, and anal cancer.
There are multiple sub-types.
HOW DO I GET IT?
Direct contact with other people and indirectly from items that have been handled by carriers.
WHAT HAPPENS?
It can cause an outbreak of genital warts and longer term can cause some cancers.
WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?
Vaccination is the most effective way of preventing the transmission of HPV.
Influenza
WHAT IS IT?
A virus that infects the respiratory system.
HOW DO I GET IT?
Through droplets spread by people who are infected.
WHAT HAPPENS?
Symptoms vary but at its worst, it can be fatal.
This is especially true for younger children and the elderly, or people with other medical problems.
WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?
There is no effective drug treatment.
Vaccination is the best prevention.
Japanese Encephalitis (Ixiaro)
WHAT IS IT?
A virus that infects the brain.
HOW DO I GET IT?
It is spread by bites from mosquitos found in parts of Southeast Asia.
WHAT HAPPENS?
About a 1/3 of those infected die, another 1/3 are left with permanent neurological damage, and a 1/3 will recover.
WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?
There is no treatment.
Vaccination with Ixiaro is safe and effective at preventing the disease.
Meningitis ACYW
WHAT IS IT ?
A bacteria that infects the brain
HOW DO I GET IT?
From being around other people that carry the disease
WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?
Antibiotics can be tried but there is a high failure rate The disease can progress so quickly it is often too late Vaccination is the only effective prevention
THE HAJJ AND MENINGITIS
Heading To The Hajj? See here for more information.
Mumps Measles & Rubella (MMR)
HOW DO I GET IT?
From being around people that have these viruses
These people may not be displaying symptoms at the time
WHAT HAPPENS?
People can become very sick from these diseases
Complications include meningitis, pneumonia and infertility
Some can even be fatal
WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?
There are no treatments
However vaccination is an effective prevention for these diseases
The vaccine is always combined for these diseases
If you didn’t have them in your childhood you should get 2 shots of MMR to complete immunity
Pneumonia
WHAT IS IT ?
A lung infection caused by a variety of bacteria
HOW DO I GET IT?
By inhaling airborne droplets typically spread by people who carry the bacteria or have the disease
WHAT HAPPENS?
The disease usually lasts weeks
Severity can vary and complications include lung abscess and fatality despite treatment
WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?
Vaccination in susceptible individuals is highly effective at preventing common causes of the disease
There are 2 shots available, each protects against multiple types of bacteria
Rabies
WHAT IS IT?
Rabies is a virus, a Lyssavirus.
HOW DO I GET IT?
90% of human infections are from infected dog bites.
WHAT HAPPENS?
The virus causes fever, headache, vomiting, and infects the nervous system and brain leading to involuntary muscle movement and a fear of water and sometimes air.
There is an incubation period before symptoms start, which can be from days to months, sometimes years.
It is 100% fatal once symptoms begin.
WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?
Treatment for rabies is available after a bite but can be hard to find in remote areas or developing countries.
Rabies vaccination is available.
Treatment after a bite is still required however it is much less complicated and easier to find.
RSV (AREXVY®) Vaccine
What is it?
RSV is a common highly contagious respiratory virus causing infections of the lungs and breathing passages.
How do I get it?
By inhaling airborne droplets typically spread by people that are infected.
What happens?
RSV usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. However, it can also cause more serious respiratory illness
such as pneumonia, as well as make some illnesses and conditions worse in older adults. RSV is a major
cause of death among seniors.
What can I do about it?
Vaccination is the best prevention. Arexvy®, a non-live (in-activated) vaccine, is available for individuals
over 60 years of age.
Tetanus Diphtheria (Td)
WHAT IS IT?
Tetanus is a toxin produced by a bacteria that lives in soil
Diphtheria is caused by a bacteria that infects the respiratory system
It produces a toxin that can affect the heart, skin and nervous system
HOW DO I GET THESE DISEASES?
Tetanus: From cuts that get dirt in them. Eg: falling off a motorbike and getting ‘road rash’
Diphtheria: From being around other people who carry the disease
WHAT HAPPENS?
Tetanus: Can cause severe muscle spasms and admission to intensive care is often required
Symptoms can last for weeks
Without proper care it can be fatal
Diphtheria: Can be treated with antitoxin and antibiotics
Untreated it can be fatal
WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?
Vaccination is an effective prevention for both tetanus and diphtheria
A booster should be given every 10 years
Tetanus Diphtheria Whooping Cough/Pertussis (TdaP)
WHAT IS IT?
Tetanus is a toxin produced by a bacteria that lives in soil.
Diphtheria is caused by a bacteria that infects the respiratory system.
Pertussis is a type of bacteria that causes whooping cough.
HOW DO I GET THESE DISEASES?
Tetanus: From cuts that get dirt in them. Eg: falling off a motorbike and getting ‘road rash’.
Diphtheria: From being around other people who carry the disease.
Pertussis: Droplets spread from people who have the disease.
WHAT HAPPENS?
Tetanus: Can cause severe muscle spasms and admission to intensive care is often required.
Symptoms can last for weeks.
Without proper care, it can be fatal.
Diphtheria: Can be treated with antitoxin and antibiotics.
Untreated it can be fatal.
Pertussis: Fever, malaise, and a barking cough which can last weeks.
WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?
Vaccination is an effective prevention for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis.
A booster should be given every 10 years.
Travellers Diarrhea (Dukoral)
WHAT IS IT?
Travellers diarrhea is caused by a change of environment and differing sanitation standards.
HOW DO I GET IT?
From food and water.
WHAT HAPPENS?
Symptoms vary from mild loose stool to fever to blood in the stool and abdominal cramps with frequent diarrhea.
WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?
Travellers diarrhea can be treated with over the counter treatments like Pepto-Bismol, Imodium and oral rehydration.
Antibiotics can be used for severe cases.
Dukoral is an oral vaccine that protects against a specific bacteria that is responsible for up to 30% of cases.
Typhoid
WHAT IS IT?
Typhoid is a disease caused by a bacteria called Salmonella.
HOW DO I GET IT?
From eating food contaminated with the bacteria.
IS IT SERIOUS?
Typhoid causes fever, abdominal pain, and intestinal bleeding which can lead to perforation of the bowel as well as neurological symptoms and joint pains.
Unsupported it can be fatal in vulnerable individuals.
WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?
Typhoid can be treated with antibiotics, sometimes requiring weeks of treatment.
There is increasing resistance to antibiotics which is an ongoing concern.
Avoid undercooked foods to reduce the risk of catching it.
Vaccination effectiveness varies but can prevent up to 65% of cases.
TRAVEL RELATED PRESCRIPTIONS
Altitude sickness
WHAT IS IT?
Illnesses that result from a lack of oxygen at high altitude
HOW DO I GET IT?
Typically when elevations are above 2,400m and ascent is too fast
WHAT HAPPENS?
Headache, insomnia, fatigue and shortness of breath However more serious conditions of Acute Mountain Sickness can be fatal
WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?
Careful planning of your ascent
The use of prescription drugs and correct medical advice from TMVC can help prevent altitude sickness
There is no test that can predict your susceptibility to it
Malaria
WHAT IS IT?
A parasite – There are 4 main sub-types
HOW DO I GET IT?
From the bite of a mosquito that carries the parasite
WHAT HAPPENS?
Typically a fever, headache, chills, vomiting and abdominal pain Depending on the type it can infect the brain and be fatal if untreated
WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?
You can prevent malaria by using insect precautions and also taking meds preventatively There is no malaria vaccine The treatment of malaria varies depending on which type you have
Travellers Diarrhea (Dukoral)
WHAT IS IT?
Travellers diarrhea is caused by a change of environment and differing sanitation standards.
HOW DO I GET IT?
From food and water.
WHAT HAPPENS?
Symptoms vary from mild loose stool to fever to blood in the stool and abdominal cramps with frequent diarrhea.
WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?
Travellers diarrhea can be treated with over the counter treatments like Pepto-Bismol, Imodium and oral rehydration.
Antibiotics can be used for severe cases.
Dukoral is an oral vaccine that protects against a specific bacteria that is responsible for up to 30% of cases.
GROUP TRAVEL
- An overview of the health risks and diseases associated with the group travel itinerary
- A personalized one-on-one travel health consultation with each group member
- The onsite travel vaccinations and shots you need
- Prescriptions to prevent malaria, altitude sickness and diarrhea
- If you would like more information, book a group travel consultation
DO I NEED A FLU SHOT WHEN I TRAVEL ABROAD?
Yes! You may be travelling to a destination where the flu vaccine is not routine.
The flu season differs depending on where you go in the world. The effects of long-haul travel may pre-dispose you to infection.