Travel Vaccinations
Travelling Abroad? Be Sure to Plan Ahead!
It is extremely important to protect yourself against disease when travelling outside of Canada. Thankfully, many diseases that are common in other countries are not common in Canada. For this reason, we recommend booking an appointment to discuss your healthcare and vaccination needs prior to travelling. Our team will ensure that you have a clear idea of what travel vaccinations are required and recommended for your travels. We will also plan out a travel vaccination schedule to help make the process easy and seamless for you.
We recommend planning ahead as some travel vaccinations require a booster a few weeks after your initial dose. We want to ensure you’re as safe and healthy as possible before embarking on your latest adventure!
We are a Designated Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre, ensuring we can provide this crucial vaccine when required for your destination. Additionally, our travel pharmacist holds a Certificate in Travel Health™ through the International Society of Travel Medicine, guaranteeing the highest level of expertise and up-to-date knowledge to safeguard your well-being during your travels.
Contact Central Drugs Pacific Station at 250-585-6178 or email travel@centraldrugs.ca to inquire today!
Travel Consultation: Prepare for Your Trip Safely!
What’s Included:
- Private consultation with a Travel pharmacist who holds a Certificate in Travel Health™ through the International Society of Travel Medicine.
- Personalized vaccine recommendations based on your travel destination and current immunization status.
- Administration of any chosen vaccinations during the appointment
- Assessment for and discussion of medications you might need (antimalarials, anti-diarrheals, altitude sickness).
- Prescriptions are provided for required medications (if applicable)
- Information and handouts on relevant travel-related topics and diseases customized to your travel destination
Booking & Timing:
- Book 6-8 weeks before your trip to ensure enough time to administer multiple doses of vaccines if required. Please note, that we are often able to accommodate last-minute travellers – contact Central Drugs Pacific station at 250-585-6178 to inquire.
Appointment Length:
- Allow 1-1.5 hours for the initial consultation.
Fees:
- $70 for the first person.
- $60 for additional adults on the same trip.
- $30 for children under 18 (with a paying adult).
Please Note: The consultation fee does not include the cost of any vaccines, medications, or other recommended products that might be suggested during your visit.
Book a Travel Consultation Appointment Today
Contact Central Drugs Pacific Station at 250-585-6178 or email travel@centraldrugs.ca to book your appointment.
Which Travel Vaccinations Will I Need?
Our team of pharmacists at Central Drugs will help you determine which travel vaccinations you need prior to traveling. Travel vaccinations fall into the following categories: routine, recommended, and required.
Routine Vaccinations
Routine vaccinations are recommended to everyone in British Columbia, regardless if you intend to travel. Visit Immunize BC to view detailed routine vaccination schedules for all British Columbians.
Recommended Vaccinations
Various vaccinations are recommended depending on your travel destination. Your Central Drugs pharmacist will discuss the benefits of these travel vaccinations with you and help you determine whether they are right for you. Some areas to consider when deciding on recommended vaccinations are:
- Your age and current health status
- Your risk of contracting a disease while abroad
- The length of your travels
- Your planned activities & accommodations
Required Vaccinations
Many countries require you to provide proof of receiving certain vaccinations before entering. These requirements vary from country to country. It is important that you consider these requirements prior to arranging travel plans. To find out which vaccinations are required for your next trip, book a consultation with your trusted Central Drugs pharmacist. During your consultation, your trusted Central Drugs pharmacist can help determine what vaccines might be required for you based on your travel itinerary.
10 Ways to Stay Healthy While Travelling
- Wash your hands with soap and water before eating, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
- Use an insect repellent, during both day and night. DEET 30% or icaridin (picaridin) 20% are the most effective options.
- Use sealed bottled water or chemically treated, filtered, or boiled water for drinking and for brushing teeth.
- Consume foods that are fully cooked and served hot, avoid street food and buffets, and avoid unpasteurized dairy. If you can’t peel it, boil it or cook it-don’t eat it! Many fruits and vegetables are contaminated by untreated water, bacteria and viruses.
- Avoid walking barefoot on sand, dirt, or mud to prevent parasitic skin infections.
- Use sunscreen of at least 30 SPF liberally and often. When using along with insect repellants, apply the sunscreen before applying the repellant. Do not use combination products.
- Do not pet or feed dogs, cats or other domestic animals. Avoid contact with all wild animals, including monkeys.
- Motor vehicle accidents are the top cause of injury and death amongst travelers. Wear a seat belt.
- Purchase travel medical insurance that covers both your destination and your activities, and have that information easily accessible.
- Seek the advice of a travel health professional, including advice on malaria prevention, travellers’ diarrhea, and vaccinations.