Vaccines Overview

Our travel and immunization doctors at the Toronto travel and Vaccine and immunization clinic will suggest vaccines to protect you on your trip. All needed vaccines and medications are available in our clinic and you will be able to get them during your visit.

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 against the diseases that are listed on the left of the page.

Some of these vaccines are for adults as well as for children. In Canada, children routinely get some of these vaccines as babies, such as those for tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough, polio, measles, mumps, and rubella. Even though you may have had some vaccines in the past, immunity may wear off.

Your immune system can forget how to protect you against tetanus or typhoid fever and you may need a booster shot to renew your protection. We will talk to you about the boosters you need for continued protection.

WHICH VACCINES WILL I NEED?

Our travel doctors 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 doctors will recommend vaccines from the list on the left of the page. He or she may also suggest other medications or precautions you can take.

Are some vaccines required to travel?

Yes, the following vaccines are required to travel:

1. 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 case, it will depend on where else you have travelled. You must be carrying an International Certificate of Vaccination which will help you enter countries that require the vaccine.

2. MENINGOCOCCAL VACCINE (against types A,C,Y, and W-135) - for Saudi Arabia when travelling for the Hajj, Umrah or for seasonal work.

A meningococcal 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.

3.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 re-used 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 provider for proof of vaccination or an exemption certificate if you choose not to receive thisvaccine.