Most viruses and bacteria’s do not realize that they are in good company. Viruses, bacteria and parasites are picked up through the improper handling of food and water, and then transferred to you when you eat. Many diseases that you can find in developing countries are under control in developed countries due to good drinking water and proper sanitation and hygiene. Many people have allowed their routine vaccines such as tetanus and diphtheria to wane and this is a great time to be immunized.

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Although your family doctor knows you better, he or she is probably not comfortable giving out travel information as it is constantly changing. Travel Clinics give more than vaccines. They will help educate you on your chosen destination(s) regarding diseases and health awareness. They can help prepare you for unfortunate circumstances such as travellers diarrhea, where to seek medical aid, altitude sickness, and much more. Travel Clinics can also offer suggestions on how to travel comfortably with disabilities, chronic diseases and children.

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There is always a risk that is beyond your control - the ice cube that has been made with contaminated water, the food that has been allowed to cool to a point that bacteria multiply, a new supplier of fruit and vegetables. Resorts in developing countries do everything they can to prevent you from becoming ill, but yet every year people get sick while they are on vacation.

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Yes. Yellow fever is endemic in countries in Africa and South America. You may also need to have this vaccine if you are travelling from an infected country to one that has the mosquito that carries the disease but not the disease itself. This vaccine can only be administered at approved clinics. As well, certain vaccines can be required for some pilgrimages.

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Hepatitis A is passed through contaminated food and water, most commonly found in areas of the world where there is poor sanitation. Depending on your age the disease can make you quite ill for a month or more. Fatalities from this disease increase with the persons age. Hepatitis B is passed through blood and body fluids. You have more control over this disease as it is most commonly passed through sexual intercourse with a carrier, body piercing, tattoos and acupuncture but it can be passed by injections with contaminated needles, dental procedures done with improperly cleaned equipment or simply from having a manicure where the nail file is not changed from person to person. Both of these viruses do not die off when exposed to the air, so you could be exposed innocently because the virus was still present on an inanimate object.

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There are a few vaccines that have a series of injections to give you full efficacy. When you have decided that you are going to travel is a good time to make an appointment. Most vaccines give you long-term protection so it isn’t going to hurt to get them early. Many people call at the last minute because they have been able to get a cheap flight.  If there is a chance that you might do foreign travel, if the price is right, get your vaccines ahead of time. You can get some of the vaccines just before leaving and have protection but it isn’t optimum protection.

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On Prince Edward Island it is the responsibility of the traveller. You may find that the vaccines are covered under your private insurance plan but the vaccines will have to be paid for and your slips turned in to the insurance company.

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The cost of the vaccines varies but will range from $15.00 to $125.00 / shot. The cost of the vaccines will depend on what is required and recommended for your destination, your accommodations, how your meals will be provided, previous vaccination history and the length of you trip.

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Many of the vaccines offer long term protection so you may be able to travel for years without a booster for certain vaccines. Some vaccines need to be boosted more regularly. It is a good idea to contact your Travel Clinic before you travel to see if anything needs to be updated. At that time you may be advised of outbreaks or new vaccines that are available.

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DEET when used properly is safe. Malaria on the other hand is often fatal. When using DEET products try to find one that is cream-based rather than alcohol-based and put it on exposed body parts. You do not need to lather it on when you get out of the shower. The concentration of DEET should be 30 - 35%. Reapply if you have been swimming or perspiring profusely, despite what the container says.

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The best answer is yes you should be using malaria prophylaxis if you are travelling to a high-risk area. Travel Clinics are well informed in the areas of high risk and it is possible that your itinerary may not actually be in an area of risk. If it has been decided that the risk of malaria is high, the medications and their side effects will be discussed with you. The medication choice will be made based on your travel requirements and personal health history. The medications used, interrupt the life cycle of the malaria parasite and that is why it is important to take the medication for the prescribed amount of time after you leave the risk area. There is no medication on the market that can offer 100% protection so it is important to make sure that you be checked for flu-like illnesses while in area of risk and for a year after leaving the area of risk.

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The water should come to a good rolling boil. If you are at a higher altitude you will need to boil it longer.

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No. It is always best to complete a series according to the prescribed schedule but your immune system is very adept at recognizing boosters despite a delay.

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