Travel health and vaccinations

 We are here to protect you and help you stay healthy during your travels, so you can see the world, safely. 

No matter where you are travelling, you should know that you will be exposed to certain organisms that could make you severely ill; perhaps even kill you. As a new or experienced international traveller you should be educated about the environment you’ll be visiting. Ideally, you should schedule your appointment with a myHealth Travel Medicine Specialist 4-6 weeks prior to your departure date. However, we will always accommodate last minute travellers.

From the dangers of high altitude and parasitic infections; to vaccine preventable diseases and foods to avoid; our Travel Medicine Specialists will give you all the tools you need to be informed and protected on your international trip.

During your travel health consultation our travel medicine specialists will:

• Assess your health history & individual needs based on your itinerary.
• Provide you with the latest information on health risks, required & recommended immunizations, and safety precautions & security tips.  All information is summarized in a personalized, bound briefing booklet.
• Discuss precautionary measures for dietary and recreational activities.
• Administer and prescribe immunizations and medications.
• All services can also be provided on-site.

Please note that OHIP does not cover pre-travel consultations nor travel-related vaccines. However, many private insurance plans will cover the cost of the immunizations, and healthcare spending accounts can be used to cover travel consultations. Official Receipts will be issued for all services. Payment must be made before or at the time of the visit. 

Our travel consultation package includes: comprehensive travel consultation, immunization review, injection fees, travel immunization records. No additional fees required.

• Individual: $70
• Couple: $120
• Group (up to 4 people): $200 (with only $35 per additional person)

Does Ontario Healthcare Plan cover travel health services?

• Unfortunately, travel health consultations and immunizations are not covered by the Ontario Healthcare Plan (OHIP).  Some private health care plans through employers will pay for some travel vaccines and medications. Our pharmacy can help you bill drug benefit plans directly. Make sure to present your direct billing prescription card at your appointment. Travel health consultations can sometimes be billed to a health spending account plan.  Check with your insurance provider for details. 

What happens during my pre-travel consultation?

• During your travel health appointment, our travel health specialist will evaluate your risks based on the trip details and your health status.  You will receive education (including written materials), as well as recommendations for the appropriate vaccinations and medications for you.  Medications and vaccines are available on site and can usually be prepared and administered immediately after the consultation is completed.

How far in advance should I book my appointment?

• Ideally, you should book your appointment between 6 and 8 weeks before travelling.  Some vaccines need more than one dose before you travel, and some vaccines take time after being given to become effective.  However, there can still be benefits to having an appointment at the last minute that may offer some protection. .  

I found a couple of websites and I’ve figured out what I need on my own.  I just need someone to give me the shots.

• A lot of information can be accessed online and by having conversations with family and friends who have traveled to the same locales.  Discussing with a professional trained in this area can provide you with context. Our travel health specialists provide more information than just running through a list of vaccinations. They will analyze your health history and the details of your trip. After reviewing this information and asking you some follow up questions to complete the picture, they will determine what specific measures are most appropriate to keep you healthy and safe.  Our providers keep up to date with the latest information regarding global outbreaks of illness and the most appropriate preventative measures and treatment.

Why can’t I just go to my family doctor for a pre-travel consultation?

• Some family doctors may see patients for travel health appointments, but we have found that many family doctors prefer to send patients to travel clinics.  Often they have enough trouble fitting in all of their other types of appointments during their day, and they would prefer to send their patients to a travel clinic where they focus on this area of practice and are up to date with the latest travel health information.