TRAVEL VACCINES & MEDICINE

WHAT IS TRAVEL MEDICINE?

Travel medicine is what helps keeps you safe when you’re on your global adventure. These shots and medicines give you the confidence to eat, drink, work, and play wherever you are in the world. They won’t make you invincible, but they will protect you from a nasty illness.

WHAT IS THE TMVC ADVANTAGE?

Your consult, shots, and prescriptions are all done at the time of your visit, so you don’t need to shop around or see your family doctor. Our convenient, one-stop approach means you save time, effort, and money while getting the professional service you need.

REQUIRED VACCINATIONS

These are vaccines you MUST have in order to get into certain countries. The big one here is Yellow Fever.

Yellow Fever

WHAT IS IT?
A virus found in South America and Africa.

HOW DO I GET IT?
From the bite of a mosquito.

WHAT HAPPENS?
Yellow Fever affects multiple organs; heart, lung, and bowel and can result in uncontrolled bleeding in around 15% of people.

At this stage, up to 20-50% of people will die.

WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?
There is no treatment for Yellow Fever.

Vaccination is the only effective way to prevent the disease.

*Some countries will deny entry without proof of vaccination.

Learn More Book Now

Meningitis ACYW (Menactra)

WHAT IS IT ?
A bacteria that infects the brain

HOW DO I GET IT?
From being around other people that carry the disease

WHAT HAPPENS?
It is fatal almost 100% of the time

WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?
Antibiotics can be tried but there is a high failure rate

The disease can progress so quickly it is often too late

Vaccination is the only effective prevention

THE HAJJ AND MENINGITIS
Heading To The Hajj? See here for more information.

Learn More Book Now

Polio

WHAT IS IT ?
Polio is a virus

HOW DO I GET IT?
Ingesting the virus by mouth after contact with people that carry it

WHAT HAPPENS?
Polio causes paralysis and infects the nervous system often with permanent long-term damage to the nerves that control muscles and movement

WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?
There is no treatment Vaccination is the only way to prevent it

An adult booster is required for travel to some countries

Learn More Book Now

ROUTINE VACCINATIONS

These are typically vaccinations you get as a child that might require a booster. These shots are usually covered by MSP.

Polio

WHAT IS IT ?
Polio is a virus

HOW DO I GET IT?
Ingesting the virus by mouth after contact with people that carry it

WHAT HAPPENS?
Polio causes paralysis and infects the nervous system often with permanent long-term damage to the nerves that control muscles and movement

WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?
There is no treatment Vaccination is the only way to prevent it

An adult booster is required for travel to some countries

Learn More Book Now

Mumps Measles and Rubella ( MMR )

WHAT IS IT ?
Mumps, measles and rubella are distinct viruses

HOW DO I GET IT?
From being around people that have these viruses

These people may not be displaying symptoms at the time

WHAT HAPPENS?
People can become very sick from these diseases

Complications include meningitis, pneumonia and infertility

Some can even be fatal

WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?
There are no treatments

However vaccination is an effective prevention for these diseases

The vaccine is always combined for these diseases

If you didn’t have them in your childhood you should get 2 shots of MMR to complete immunity

Mumps Measles  Rubella  Book Now

Tetanus Diphtheria Pertussis/Whooping Cough (TdaP)

WHAT IS IT?
Tetanus is a toxin produced by a bacteria that lives in soil.

Diphtheria is caused by a bacteria that infects the respiratory system.

Pertussis is a type of bacteria that causes whooping cough.

HOW DO I GET THESE DISEASES?
Tetanus: From cuts that get dirt in them. Eg: falling off a motorbike and getting ‘road rash’.

Diphtheria: From being around other people who carry the disease.

Pertussis: Droplets spread from people who have the disease.

WHAT HAPPENS? 
Tetanus: Can cause severe muscle spasms and admission to intensive care is often required.

Symptoms can last for weeks.

Without proper care, it can be fatal.

Diphtheria: Can be treated with antitoxin and antibiotics.

Untreated it can be fatal.

Pertussis: Fever, malaise, and a barking cough which can last weeks.

WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?
Vaccination is an effective prevention for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis.

A booster should be given every 10 years.

Tetanus Diphtheria Pertussis Book Now

Tetanus Diphtheria (Td)

WHAT IS IT ?
Tetanus is a toxin produced by a bacteria that lives in soil

Diphtheria is caused by a bacteria that infects the respiratory system

It produces a toxin that can affect the heart, skin and nervous system

HOW DO I GET THESE DISEASES?
Tetanus: From cuts that get dirt in them. Eg: falling off a motorbike and getting ‘road rash’

Diphtheria: From being around other people who carry the disease

WHAT HAPPENS?
Tetanus: Can cause severe muscle spasms and admission to intensive care is often required

Symptoms can last for weeks

Without proper care it can be fatal

Diphtheria: Can be treated with antitoxin and antibiotics

Untreated it can be fatal

WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?
Vaccination is an effective prevention for both tetanus and diphtheria

A booster should be given every 10 years

Tetanus-Diphtheria Book Now

Influenza

WHAT IS IT?
A virus that infects the respiratory system.

HOW DO I GET IT?
Through droplets spread by people who are infected.

WHAT HAPPENS?
Symptoms vary but at its worst, it can be fatal.

This is especially true for younger children and the elderly, or people with other medical problems.

WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?
There is no effective drug treatment.

Vaccination is the best prevention.

Learn More Book Now

Pneumonia

WHAT IS IT ?
A lung infection caused by a variety of bacteria

HOW DO I GET IT?
By inhaling airborne droplets typically spread by people who carry the bacteria or have the disease

WHAT HAPPENS?
The disease usually lasts weeks

Severity can vary and complications include lung abscess and fatality despite treatment

WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?
Vaccination in susceptible individuals is highly effective at preventing common causes of the disease

There are 2 shots available, each protects against multiple types of bacteria

Learn More Book Now

RECOMMENDED VACCINATIONS

These vaccines are recommended but not required for travel to other countries. They contain a mix of shots routinely given in Canada and ones specific to travel.

Hepatitis A

WHAT IS IT?
A virus that infects the liver.

HOW DO I GET IT?
From foods and drinks that have been handled by people that carry the virus.

WHAT HAPPENS?
Hepatitis A varies in severity from a flu-like illness to requiring hospitalization.

It is rarely fatal.

WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?
There is no treatment for hepatitis A.

Vaccination is safe and effective at preventing hepatitis A.

Learn More Book Now

Hepatitis B

WHAT IS IT?
A virus that infects the liver.

HOW DO I GET IT?
You can catch it from unsterilized needles, sexual intercourse, unscreened blood transfusions, and other equipment like spa and tattooing tools that have not been sterilized effectively.

IS IT SERIOUS?
There is an immediate illness which can be serious and sometimes fatal.

But even after recovery, some people will carry the virus for life.

Cirrhosis (permanent liver damage) and liver failure can develop over years.

WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?
Hepatitis B can be treated with a course of drugs that often lasts months.

The treatment itself can result in unpleasant side effects and is not always effective.

Some people do not respond to the treatment.

Vaccination is safe and effective in preventing hepatitis B.

Learn More Book Now

Hepatitis A & B Combined (Twinrix)

WHAT IS IT?
A shot that contains both hepatitis A and B vaccines

TMVC uses the vaccine Twinrix

Note: you will need more than 1 shot to get immunity

There are various schedules that can be used depending on your previous vaccinations and time-line

Hepatitis A Hepatitis B - Book Now

Typhoid

WHAT IS IT?
Typhoid is a disease caused by a bacteria called Salmonella.

HOW DO I GET IT?
From eating food contaminated with the bacteria.

IS IT SERIOUS?
Typhoid causes fever, abdominal pain, and intestinal bleeding which can lead to perforation of the bowel as well as neurological symptoms and joint pains.

Unsupported it can be fatal in vulnerable individuals.

WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?
Typhoid can be treated with antibiotics, sometimes requiring weeks of treatment.

There is increasing resistance to antibiotics which is an ongoing concern.

Avoid undercooked foods to reduce the risk of catching it.

Vaccination effectiveness varies but can prevent up to 65% of cases.

Learn More Book Now

Hepatitis A & Typhoid Combined (Vivaxim)

WHAT IS IT?
A single shot that combines hepatitis A and typhoid

TMVC uses the vaccine Vivaxim to protect you against these diseases

Hepatitis A Typhoid Book Now

Japanese Encephalitis (Ixiaro)

WHAT IS IT?
A virus that infects the brain.

HOW DO I GET IT?
It is spread by bites from mosquitos found in parts of Southeast Asia.

WHAT HAPPENS?
About a 1/3 of those infected die, another 1/3 are left with permanent neurological damage, and a 1/3 will recover.

WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?
There is no treatment.

Vaccination with Ixiaro is safe and effective at preventing the disease.

Learn More Book Now

Pneumonia

WHAT IS IT ?
A lung infection caused by a variety of bacteria

HOW DO I GET IT?
By inhaling airborne droplets typically spread by people who carry the bacteria or have the disease

WHAT HAPPENS?
The disease usually lasts weeks

Severity can vary and complications include lung abscess and fatality despite treatment

WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?
Vaccination in susceptible individuals is highly effective at preventing common causes of the disease

There are 2 shots available, each protects against multiple types of bacteria

Learn More Book Now

Influenza

WHAT IS IT?
A virus that infects the respiratory system.

HOW DO I GET IT?
Through droplets spread by people who are infected.

WHAT HAPPENS?
Symptoms vary but at its worst, it can be fatal.

This is especially true for younger children and the elderly, or people with other medical problems.

WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?
There is no effective drug treatment.

Vaccination is the best prevention.

Learn More Book Now

Rabies

WHAT IS IT?
Rabies is a virus, a Lyssavirus.

HOW DO I GET IT?
90% of human infections are from infected dog bites.

WHAT HAPPENS?
The virus causes fever, headache, vomiting, and infects the nervous system and brain leading to involuntary muscle movement and a fear of water and sometimes air.

There is an incubation period before symptoms start, which can be from days to months, sometimes years.

It is 100% fatal once symptoms begin.

WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?
Treatment for rabies is available after a bite but can be hard to find in remote areas or developing countries.

Rabies vaccination is available.

Treatment after a bite is still required however it is much less complicated and easier to find.

Learn More Book Now

Tetanus Diphtheria Pertussis/Whooping Cough (TdaP)

WHAT IS IT?
Tetanus is a toxin produced by a bacteria that lives in soil.

Diphtheria is caused by a bacteria that infects the respiratory system.

Pertussis is a type of bacteria that causes whooping cough.

HOW DO I GET THESE DISEASES?
Tetanus: From cuts that get dirt in them. Eg: falling off a motorbike and getting ‘road rash’.

Diphtheria: From being around other people who carry the disease.

Pertussis: Droplets spread from people who have the disease.

WHAT HAPPENS? 
Tetanus: Can cause severe muscle spasms and admission to intensive care is often required.

Symptoms can last for weeks.

Without proper care, it can be fatal.

Diphtheria: Can be treated with antitoxin and antibiotics.

Untreated it can be fatal.

Pertussis: Fever, malaise, and a barking cough which can last weeks.

WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?
Vaccination is an effective prevention for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis.

A booster should be given every 10 years.

Tetanus Diphtheria Pertussis Book Now

Tetanus Diphtheria (Td)

WHAT IS IT ?
Tetanus is a toxin produced by a bacteria that lives in soil

Diphtheria is caused by a bacteria that infects the respiratory system

It produces a toxin that can affect the heart, skin and nervous system

HOW DO I GET THESE DISEASES?
Tetanus: From cuts that get dirt in them. Eg: falling off a motorbike and getting ‘road rash’

Diphtheria: From being around other people who carry the disease

WHAT HAPPENS?
Tetanus: Can cause severe muscle spasms and admission to intensive care is often required

Symptoms can last for weeks

Without proper care it can be fatal

Diphtheria: Can be treated with antitoxin and antibiotics

Untreated it can be fatal

WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?
Vaccination is an effective prevention for both tetanus and diphtheria

A booster should be given every 10 years

Tetanus-Diphtheria Book Now

Cholera (Dukoral)

WHAT IS IT ?
Cholera is a bacteria that causes profuse watery diarrhea

HOW DO I GET IT?
From ingesting contaminated food and water and also person to person

WHAT HAPPENS?
Symptoms vary in severity but include vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramps

It is easy to get dehydrated quickly

Untreated 50-70% die

WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?
Rehydration orally or intravenous if necessary

Antibiotics may help but there is increasing resistance to them and they are not a guaranteed fix

Dukoral offers protection against most types of cholera

Learn More Book Now

Travellers Diarrhea (Dukoral)

WHAT IS IT?
Travellers diarrhea is caused by a change of environment and differing sanitation standards.

HOW DO I GET IT?
From food and water.

WHAT HAPPENS?
Symptoms vary from mild loose stool to fever to blood in the stool and abdominal cramps with frequent diarrhea.

WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?
Travellers diarrhea can be treated with over the counter treatments like Pepto-Bismol, Imodium and oral rehydration.

Antibiotics can be used for severe cases.

Dukoral is an oral vaccine that protects against a specific bacteria that is responsible for up to 30% of cases.

Learn MoreBook Now

Meningitis ACYW (Menactra)

WHAT IS IT?
A bacteria that infects the brain.

HOW DO I GET IT?
From being around other people who carry the disease.

WHAT HAPPENS?
It is fatal almost 100% of the time.

WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?
Antibiotics can be tried but there is a high failure rate.

The disease can progress so quickly that it is often too late.

Vaccination is the only effective prevention.

THE HAJJ AND MENINGITIS
Heading To The Hajj? See here for more information.

Learn More Book Now

HPV(Gardasil) Vaccine

WHAT IS IT?
A virus that can cause warts and cervical, oral, and anal cancer.

There are multiple sub-types.

HOW DO I GET IT?
Direct contact with other people and indirectly from items that have been handled by carriers.

WHAT HAPPENS?
It can cause an outbreak of genital warts and longer term can cause some cancers.

WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?
Vaccination is the most effective way of preventing the transmission of HPV.

Learn More Book Now

RSV (AREXVY®) Vaccine

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
What is it?
RSV is a common highly contagious respiratory virus causing infections of the lungs and breathing
passages.
How do I get it?
By inhaling airborne droplets typically spread by people that are infected.
What happens?
RSV usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. However, it can also cause more serious respiratory illness
such as pneumonia, as well as make some illnesses and conditions worse in older adults. RSV is a major
cause of death among seniors.
What can I do about it?
Vaccination is the best prevention. Arexvy®, a non-live (in-activated) vaccine, is available for individuals
over 60 years of age.

Learn More Book Now

TRAVEL RELATED PRESCRIPTIONS

For some diseases and conditions you need to get a shot but for others like malaria you don’t. For these illnesses our qualified doctors provide prescription medications that are taken orally.

Altitude sickness

WHAT IS IT?
Illnesses that result from a lack of oxygen at high altitude

HOW DO I GET IT?
Typically when elevations are above 2,400m and ascent is too fast

WHAT HAPPENS?
Headache, insomnia, fatigue and shortness of breath However more serious conditions of Acute Mountain Sickness can be fatal

WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?

Careful planning of your ascent

The use of prescription drugs and correct medical advice from TMVC can help prevent altitude sickness

There is no test that can predict your susceptibility to it

Learn More Book Now

Malaria

WHAT IS IT ?
A parasite - There are 4 main sub-types

HOW DO I GET IT?
From the bite of a mosquito that carries the parasite

WHAT HAPPENS?
Typically a fever, headache, chills, vomiting and abdominal pain Depending on the type it can infect the brain and be fatal if untreated

WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?
You can prevent malaria by using insect precautions and also taking meds preventatively There is no malaria vaccine The treatment of malaria varies depending on which type you have

Learn More Book Now

Travellers diarrhea

WHAT IS IT ?
Travellers diarrhea is caused by a change of environment and differing sanitation standards

HOW DO I GET IT?
From food and water

WHAT HAPPENS?
Symptoms vary from mild loose stool to fever to blood in the stool and abdominal cramps with frequent diarrhea

WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?
Travellers diarrhea can be treated with over the counter treatments like Pepto-Bismol, Imodium and oral rehydration

Antibiotics can be used for severe cases

Dukoral is an oral vaccine that protects against a specific bacteria that is responsible for up to 30% of cases

Learn More Book Now

GROUP TRAVEL

If you are a school group or sports team, a business delegation, or multi-person mission we provide personalized advice, shots and prescriptions en masse at your location.

FOR GROUPS OF 10 OR MORE PEOPLE TRAVELLING TOGETHER,  A MEMBER OF OUR MEDICAL TEAM WILL PROVIDE YOU WITH:

  • An overview of the health risks and diseases associated with the group travel itinerary
  • A personalized one-on-one travel health consultation with each group member
  • The onsite travel vaccinations and shots you need
  • Prescriptions to prevent malaria, altitude sickness and diarrhea
  • If you would like more information, book a group travel consultation

DO I NEED A FLU SHOT WHEN I TRAVEL ABROAD?

Yes! You may be travelling to a destination where the flu vaccine is not routine. The flu season differs depending on where you go in the world. The effects of long-haul travel may pre-dispose you to infection.

"The Burnaby location has very nice staff that makes your less than fun stay much better (who likes being stuck by one or more needles). They give vaccinations for basically anything that you could need wile out travelling the world. "
Mike. G - Yelp