Introduction to Travel Vaccinations
There is no denying that travel vaccinations are a significant part of getting ready for an international travel experience. Every country has its set of infections and diseases that can be harmful to us. A majority of these diseases can be avoided through vaccinations and preventative measures. While traveling, your body may come in contact with many viruses or bacteria that have been eradicated or haven’t been found easily in Canada. This is essential to note because many people assume that because of the Canadian lifestyle and the climate, their body systems are adept at combating such pathogens. This is not always the case, however. It’s essential to get the right immunizations before visiting or going through another country. This can also stop certain surrounding communities from getting a variety of diseases. Every year, millions of people travel to various parts of the world. These trips often involve going to various parts of certain countries where there may be a higher risk of specific infections or travel illnesses — diseases that have a higher chance of being acquired while on a trip. This primarily happens if your body is not equipped, either through a prior infection or via immunization, to protect itself against the given infection. Many vaccines for travel are available in Canada; however, vaccines might not be accessible in Canada. In this specific situation, vaccines may only be available through quarantine stations in certain cities. In such instances, seeking counseling from a family physician or another travel health expert may be the best alternative. Vaccines may not safeguard you from illnesses on their own. It is important to consult reputable travel health resources to decide what prevention measures could be best in addition to these vaccinations. Travelers need to be aware of the possible hazards they face during their travels and the risks involved when visiting other parts of the world in order to be safe and protect themselves and others.
1.1. Importance of Travel Vaccinations
Travel vaccinations serve an important role in keeping you safe while you are traveling abroad. Immunization, in general, is an effective way of preventing diseases and also decreasing their spread within communities. It is estimated that vaccinations received during a travel clinic visit can protect, on average, 1 in 18 travelers from contracting a disease during any given trip. In addition, travelers vaccinated increased significantly over a certain period. In addition to the multitude of health benefits vaccines provide, clinical evidence demonstrates that even when vaccines may not prevent you completely from getting a travel-related disease, getting vaccinated prior to your trip significantly lowers the risk of more severe disease and potential for hospitalization.
Health organizations have created a categorization of vaccines to aid in travel decision-making. They also issue travel advisories on the recommended and required vaccinations based on the ‘zones’ and areas to which you may be traveling. The vaccination certificate and sometimes proof of vaccination is also a legal requirement to enter into some countries. It is your responsibility to research country entry requirements as non-vaccination may result in denied entry or quarantine. Post-travel hepatitis B vaccination is available for those who may have been exposed, and a travel services nurse can discuss this vaccination as well as other potential post-exposure prophylaxis/vaccination options. Overall, it is important to make an informed decision prior to traveling to ensure your safety and the safety of those at your travel destination.
2. Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine
Japanese Encephalitis (JE) is a viral infection that can affect the Japanese encephalitis virus. The virus is mainly transmitted from birds and pigs to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. The transmission and symptoms vary greatly depending on the host; notably, people show more severe symptoms than animals. While most people with JE virus infection will show mild or no symptoms at all, in children and older adults, the disease can develop into inflammation of the brain, resulting in a high risk of death. In many regions of Southeast Asia, East Asia, and the Western Pacific, Japanese encephalitis is prevalent. This vaccine, which is used in countries such as Japan and India, will require 2 doses before travel due to the fact that the vaccine has a long duration.
The Japanese encephalitis vaccine is available and has already been approved in Canada. Vaccine effectiveness in disease prevalence areas has been shown. Two doses of the vaccine are supplied, and for the majority of travelers, one booster is required to complete the series. Most importantly, efficacy has not yet been shown in children under two months of age. The most widely available vaccination is Ixiaro. This vaccine is suggested for those who opt for long periods of stay or travel, as well as for those who are involved in prolonged exposure in the Shoui-Si zone in Southeast Asia, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, East Timor, India, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam. The occurrence of JE is incredibly low. However, as global travel is rising, there is a growing interest in this vaccine. Up to 6 out of 10 people who receive the vaccine will have 2-10 days of unwanted symptoms after vaccination. This vaccine is highly effective, so consult your doctor in the afternoon before administering the vaccination.
2.1. Overview of Japanese Encephalitis
From the name, it is clear from where this terrible epidemic stems. In short, Japanese encephalitis is endemic in Japan and is transmitted through the Culex mosquito. The virus is responsible for producing a stormy fever and inflammation with cerebrospongitis that can possibly carry off the victim. Even though it is known as Japanese encephalitis, it is also found in other countries such as China, South Korea, Taiwan, and Inner Mongolia. It is distributed through these countries by many mosquito species in rural areas. Encephalitis often occurs in specific geographic regions, including Asia, the West, and South Pacific. Worldwide, it is estimated that there are around 68,000 clinical cases of Japanese encephalitis each year. Of the individuals who develop encephalitis, between 30-40% will lose their lives. The mosquito that spreads the Japanese encephalitis virus is the primary reservoir for this infection, which lives in dog or pig stable environments. A nest of mosquitoes is often found in these environments, as there are many pigs. Scrub lines near such stables are other natural breeding sites. Outdoor nighttime events or travel to areas with a lot of rice fields, such as endemic villages, are the most common risk factors for developing Japanese encephalitis. The risk of developing Japanese encephalitis will vary according to the amount of time you spend outside, the season, and the area you are in. You are more likely to develop Japanese encephalitis if you travel to rural areas.
3. Travel Vaccination Options in Canada
Vaccination is an essential aspect of pre-travel health for Canadians and other travelers. While not the first course of action in protecting the international traveler’s health, routine and recommended vaccinations prevent diseases that are preventable, endemic, or unique to foreign travel. Conducting a risk analysis that includes actual risks of infection, the efficacy of any vaccination to prevent infection, and the risk of transmission is an essential pre-travel health consideration. Visitors to countries endemic to yellow fever may be required by immigration to show proof of a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate.
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization and Committee to Advise on Tropical Medicine and Travel have also built publications and an interactive tool for Canadians to help them think about and plan the main and/or ancillary vaccinations that many travelers will need. Health information specifically for travelers, including all vaccination recommendations, is also widely available. Many physicians, travel clinics, and many public health clinics also provide information and services to travelers based on the Advisory Committee’s conclusions. In rare cases, countries will encounter unusual or increased threats to the health of travelers which may require a revised approach to vaccination to protect travelers and their home communities before departure.
3.1. Available Vaccines in Canada
Several vaccines are available for travelers from Canadian researchers and manufacturers. The available travel vaccines can be categorized into routine vaccines, which are part of regular vaccination in Canada, and other vaccines, which are typically administered based on necessity. For the sake of organization and clarity, this section will further categorize vaccines based on the diseases and conditions that they protect against. Most of these vaccines can be routinely accessed at no additional charge via publicly funded programs or from healthcare providers. In some cases, vaccines may need to be paid for privately, such as vaccines for yellow fever, cholera, Japanese encephalitis, and typhoid fever. Travelers should also be aware of the timelines and availability of getting vaccinated by their healthcare providers, as the schedules to get vaccinated may differ.
Many important vaccines are widely available for various diseases. Hepatitis A and B vaccines are considered by many international travelers to be important for all destinations where the risk of hepatitis is greater than in developed countries, typically in the Asia-Pacific, Africa, and parts of South America. The pneumococcal, meningococcal, typhoid, polio, and rabies virus vaccines are generally recommended for travelers. Some vaccines are specific for a certain country or region. The zoster vaccine is recommended for those aged 60 years and over, for an extra cost. Furthermore, vaccines can be recommended for people who are at high risk of diseases, such as travel-related workers, veterinarians, and people going on humanitarian efforts.
4. Travel Vaccination Pharmacies in Canada
Travel vaccination pharmacies are a valuable tool for travelers who require pre-travel care. Many people in Canada first think of the hospital when they are in need of medical attention or consultations; however, pharmacies are one of the first points of contact in the Canadian healthcare system. They are designed to be accessible, and in most situations do not require an appointment. This may be beneficial for busy individuals planning to travel. Some of these locations might even help create a comprehensive travel vaccination plan.
Some people might not be aware that pharmacies are legitimate sites for travel vaccinations. Not only can they help travelers pinpoint what vaccinations are required and which ones are recommended, but they can also guide them on where to receive them. Most pharmacies in Canada administer a certificate of vaccination, or proof of immunization, which the traveler can then use as formal evidence. All of the information provided to the traveler is kept on file, forming an important part of their medical record. However, travelers should keep in mind that not all pharmacies provide this service – and certainly not at the same level of expertise. While vaccinations can be easily obtained at many pharmacies, their expertise in the travel field can often vary. It would be wise to identify a location that has a travel health section, as well as a dependable pharmacist who is certified to administer travel vaccinations. Consultations, as well as organized follow-up care, will be recommended at these locations.
4.1. Finding a Travel Vaccination pharmacy
When it comes to finding a trusted travel vaccination pharmacy, there are a number of steps that travelers may want to explore. While online is a great start, travelers may also ask at their healthcare facility, and some travelers may also ask at their nearest international airport. Providing travelers with this guidance will assist them in making an informed decision.
There are various options for where to look for authorized travel health services. One possibility is to look up places that provide vaccines through specific websites. Pharmacies must renew their title every year, so verify the date; additionally, make sure they are offering travel health services, and some offer compensation for drugs, while others may not provide that service. It would also be beneficial to contact multiple pharmacies, as some individuals are unaware of providing compensation for travel health services.
Some pharmacists may offer longer hours during the day or be open on weekends to accommodate working individuals. Most pharmacies will take appointments, while some may only have time to provide travel health services on certain days that are posted on a website. As with a regular consultation, people sometimes need to book more than one appointment, and this is common because people often leave travel health to the last minute. Because providing travel health services on an emergency basis isn’t standard practice, traveling for one week doesn’t provide enough time for the body to build up immunity following a vaccine. People in rural or northern areas may have to travel to obtain travel health services. If some northern towns or cities do not have travel health services, look in the next big city.
5. Conclusion and Recommendations
This guide provided an overview of the most important expectations and recommendations related to travel vaccinations in Canada. We have discussed the importance of planning in advance and how community health guidelines play a role in informing the choices before you travel. Armed with this knowledge, you can make a more informed decision with your travel vaccine consultation. Consequently, we have made key recommendations around the importance of getting a comprehensive consultation and how minimally interfered routine vaccines can help protect you when you return to your destination. Our intention here is not just to communicate the expectations further recommended by health authorities. We also hope to share with you the importance of staying up to date with health information about each and every place we may travel.
While we may be protected by quality in-country vaccination rates, there may be an equally important community responsibility for the health and safety of your destination. Vaccinated individuals can also protect vulnerable destinations. We encourage all readers to maintain updated records of chronic and travel vaccinations, including mandatory vaccinations, in either physical or electronic form as advised by local regulations. Finally, our advice is to consider annual check-ups with this perspective in mind. Ensuring that your vaccinations are up to date, that you have received relevant travel vaccine advice, and that other health aspects have been managed should be a consideration in your travel plans. Our goal is to keep you safe on your travels. Staying healthy on your journey starts with informed pre-travel health consultations in your own community.
