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(416) 461-2419

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Clinic Hours

Mon. 10:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Tues. 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Wed. CLOSED
Thurs. 9:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Fri. 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sat. 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Sun. CLOSED

FAQ’s

WHEN IS THE RIGHT TIME TO CALL?

Call us at (416) 461-2419 or at: (416) 287 - 2835 when you start planning your trip.

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH OUR TRAVEL CLINIC?

Bring any information you have about your trip, such as travel destination and your planned length of stay. You'll also need a list of any medications you are taking (even non-prescription medications, or medications you take only occasionally). Lastly, you should bring any records of any previous vaccinations. Bring your health card with you and information about your private health insurance (if applicable).

DURING YOUR APPOINTMENT:

During your first visit, you will be asked to fill out a form about your health and the trip you are planning. Our doctor will review this form with you and talk to you about ways to prevent potential diseases that you may be at risk of getting. For instance, if you are travelling to Cusco, Peru to see the spectacular Incan ruins, we may suggest medicines to prevent altitude sickness and vaccines for traveller's diarrhea and hepatitis A.

You will also receive advice on how to avoid getting sick. Although travel clinic consultations were once covered by provincial health plans, they were de-listed in 1998.

GOING BACK TO YOUR HOMELAND WITH YOUR FAMILY?

If you are returning to your birthplace, you may think you don't need to be concerned about your health. But that's not true. People visiting friends and relatives in endemic areas are eight times more likely to get malaria than other tourists, and appear to be at greater risk for diseases such as hepatitis A, typhoid fever or cholera. Why? One reason is that you are more likely to visit and stay in areas where the risk is greater.

Your body has adjusted to life in Canada and you may no longer be protected against illnesses in your homeland. To protect yourself and your family you should: Visit us before you leave. Book your appointment now at: (416) 461-2419

IMMUNIZATION

Our doctors will suggest vaccines to protect you and your family on your trip.

WHAT DOES A VACCINE DO?

A vaccine lets your immune system learn about a disease. When we travel, we may meet bacteria or viruses that our immune system hasn't seen before. A vaccine is a sample of inactivated bacteria or virus processed to prevent illness. It helps your body recognize the disease.

Vaccines are available to protect you and your family against the following diseases: Cholera, Polio, Hepatitis A & B, Rabies, Tetanus and Diphtheria, Influenza, Travellers' Diarrhea, Japanese Encephalitis, Typhoid Fever, Measles, Mumps and Rubella, Whooping Cough (Pertussis) Meningitis (some types), Yellow Fever, Pneumonia (some types)

WHICH VACCINES WILL I NEED?

Our doctor will discuss with you the right vaccines for you or the vaccines you may require. A list of the countries you will visit is a good starting point, but other issues are also important. Depending on the risks you will face,our doctor will recommend vaccines and Prescribe other medications or precautions you can take.

ARE SOME VACCINES REQUIRED TO TRAVEL?

Yes, the following vaccines are required:

YELLOW FEVER VACCINE - for some countries in Africa and South America Some countries require that all visitors be vaccinated prior to their visit. In other cases, it will depend on where else you have travelled. Talk to us for details. You must be carrying an International Certificate of Vaccination to enter countries that require the vaccine.

MENINGOCOCCAL VACCINE (against A, C, Y, W-135) - for Saudi Arabia when travelling for the Hajj, Umrah or for seasonal work. A meningicoccal vaccine that protects against all 4 serotypes is required. A vaccination certificate must be submitted with your visa application and carried with you when you cross the border.

CHOLERA VACCINE - for Central and North Africa.

Some local African authorities still demand cholera vaccination. Without proof of vaccination, they may insist on vaccination at the border upon your arrival. Since needles are reused in some areas, it is wise to vaccinate in Canada where effective oral vaccines are available and proper hygiene is used (i.e. needles are not reused). If you are travelling in this region, ask your travel health care provider for proof of vaccination or an exemption certificate if you choose not to receive vaccine.

ASK ABOUT PERSONAL PROTECTION BEFORE YOUR TRIP.

ARE THERE CONSIDERATIONS THAT DIFFER FROM THOSE FOR OTHER TRAVELLERS?

Stomach problems: People with low stomach acid (sometimes due to drug treatments) have a greater risk of getting typhoid fever or travelers' diarrhea. Our doctor will suggest vaccination. HIV/AIDS: A few vaccines, like yellow fever vaccine, have risks for HIV-positive people. Our doctor will suggest options for mosquito protection. Most vaccines are safe, but may be less effective if your CD4+ count is low.

ASK ABOUT ADJUSTING YOUR MEDICATIONS

Diabetes: A long flight can cause changes in your blood sugar. You might need to adjust your insulin.

REQUEST DOCUMENTS TO MAKE TRAVEL EASIER

If you carry a needle for self-injecting medications, you should request a letter from our doctor confirming the use of needles. Some medicines such as painkillers may also require documentation to allow you to carry your medicine overseas. Speak to our doctor about getting the right documentation. If you can't receive a required vaccine, you will need an exemption certificate.

DISCUSS HOW YOUR ACTIVITIES MIGHT AFFECT YOUR HEALTH

Health disease: If you will walk a lot on your trip, talk to our doctor about your limits.

TALK ABOUT WHAT TO DO IF YOUR ILLNESS WORSENS ON THE TRIP

Asthma: Poor air quality in places like Mexico City can make it hard to breathe. You might need to increase your medication or carry antibiotics to be used if you develop a respiratory infection.

ASK ABOUT FINDING EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE

Learn about the medical services available on your trip. Ask your doctor to refer you to colleagues at your destination. The International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers (IAMAT) has a global directory of physicians.

TRAVELLING WITH MEDICATION

Keep medicine in its original labelled bottle or container. Bring more medicine than you need. Follow your medication's storage requirements - if something needs to be refrigerated at home, it's still necessary to refrigerate it on vacation. Fly with medicines in your carry-on luggage (medications that are checked may be lost or frozen). Consider giving small amounts of critical medicines to a travel companion in case you become separated from your hand luggage (not for border crossings!) Carry copies of your prescriptions and a complete list of your drugs (with brand and dosage) in your carry-on luggage as well as in another part of your luggage. This helps if you are asked about a medication you are carrying or if you lose something that you need to replace.

TRAVELLING FOR TWO - PREGNANCY AND TRAVEL

Having a baby will add new demands on your life. Before the baby, you may want to reconnect with family or just have a relaxing time. The second trimester is considered the best time to travel. Women usually feel well, and an early delivery is unlikely. Get cancellation insurance in case complications occur before you leave. Check your health insurance to make sure that it will cover you and your child, if you deliver while travelling. Like other travellers, pregnant women should consider vaccination. If you are pregnant, discuss the risks and benefits of vaccination with our doctor. Some vaccines and some anti-malaria pills must be avoided. Also discuss how to manage travel-related risks with alternative preventative treatments. Take it easy. This is not the time for an extreme adventure tour. Don't go skydiving, water-skiing or scuba diving. Walking, hiking and snorkelling may be fine, but speak to us. Don't push yourself to do more than what feels comfortable.

IS IT SAFE TO FLY?

Most airlines don't take passengers after 36 weeks of pregnancy to avoid mid-air deliveries! Drink plenty of fluids and try getting an aisle seat to make it easier for you to move around and stretch your legs out.

AFTER YOUR TRIP REMEMBER:

Keep taking protective medication as directed. Some types of malaria medication must be taken for several weeks after your return.

Store your immunization record in a safe place. It will help your travel health care provider protect you on your next vacation.

If you feel unwell or have a fever within 3 months, see your doctor promptly and make sure to remind him or her about your trip.

PLEASE CALL US AT(416) 461-2419 if you:

Spent 3 months or more in rural areas of the developing world.

Were told you had malaria on your trip or a doctor suspected that you did.

Were treated or hospitalized overseas for any health problem.

Continue to have any unusual ongoing symptoms.

Participated in high risk work activities on your trip such as: health care work or veterinary practice, archaeology, spelunking, forestry or mining, etc.

Please speak to our doctor about all of the different ways to help protect yourself against illness and disease while travelling.

It is possible to be allergic to any vaccine or its ingredients. Talk to our doctor about any allergies you have.

If you feel sick or have a fever, it is best to delay receiving a vaccination. A cold is not usually a reason to delay vaccination.

If you have a weakened immune system due to illness or treatment, you may not obtain the expected protection from a vaccine. Some people may experience side-effects after vaccination. In most cases these are minor. Our doctor will be able to give you complete information on possible side-effects you may experience after receiving any of vaccines.