Travel Vaccines Vancouver

Why Should I Get Travel Vaccines? 

Even if you have already been vaccinated as a child, travel vaccines, even as an adult, are a vital part of safe travel abroad. They protect you from serious diseases that may be rare in Canada, and some vaccinations are mandatory in order for you to travel to specific countries.

Getting vaccinated will protect you while travelling to foreign countries, giving you the peace of mind that your health isn’t put at risk. It will save you not only time, but also money when it comes to the medical bills associated with unexpected mishaps. Most importantly, getting vaccinated will prevent you from bringing back rare diseases to your friends, family, and your community.

Which Vaccinations Do I Need To Get? 

The travel vaccinations you’ll need will depend on a variety of factors, including your existing health and the country you plan to travel to.

Where do I plan to travel? Some countries will require proof of vaccination for specific diseases, including yellow fever. You may come into contact with certain diseases if your travel includes visiting developing countries or areas outside of the city, bringing you into contact with more diseases carried by locals, animals or insects.

What is the current state of your health? If you have an autoimmune disease, have a weak immune system due to a certain condition, are taking immune-weakening medications, or are pregnant, it’s vital that you speak with your doctor, local pharmacy or travel clinic Vancouver getting vaccinated.

Are your old vaccinations up to date? Sure, you may have been vaccinated as a child, but keeping those vaccinations up to date is very important. Some of the diseases for the vaccinations you have gotten are indeed rare, however, they may be common in the country you are travelling to.

After Your Vaccination

Symptoms of Vaccine Reactions

Vaccine reactions occur when an individual’s body reacts adversely to the properties of the vaccine, regardless of its professional preparation and administration.

Local Reactions

Pain, redness and swelling are completely normal around the area where the vaccine was injected. These symptoms usually start within 24 hours, lasting anywhere from 3-5 days.

Fever:

Fever is common and can start within 24 hours, lasting for 1-2 days. It can be accompanied by headaches, achiness and fatigue.

Delayed Reactions

Some shots trigger adverse reactions like rash and fever, starting anywhere from 1-4 weeks.

Anaphylaxis

Severe allergic reactions are rare, but not uncommon and start within 2 hours of the shot’s administration. They can cause swelling of the throat, lips and tongue, hives, or difficulty breathing. An epinephrine shot is administered immediately for treatment.