Travel Health and Vaccinations
Plan early - get your vaccinations in time for full protection.
Travel vaccines
In certain countries, there is an increased risk of contracting diseases such as malaria, typhoid, hepatitis, yellow fever, and others. To learn more about vaccines that can help protect your health, it’s recommended to visit your pharmacist at least six weeks before your trip.
Vaccines We Offer:
Schedule a one-on-one consultation with our experienced healthcare professional. We’ll assess your travel itinerary and recommend vaccinations based on your destination, activities, and individual medical history.
Cholera is a bacterial infection that leads to severe diarrhea and dehydration. It is typically transmitted through contaminated water or food in regions with inadequate sanitation. Vaccination and following proper hygiene practices are essential for prevention.
Hepatitis A is a viral infection that affects the liver and is spread through the consumption of contaminated food or water. Vaccination offers effective protection against this potentially serious illness.
Hepatitis B is a viral infection spread through blood and bodily fluids, potentially leading to chronic liver disease. Vaccination is advised, particularly for those traveling to areas with a higher prevalence.
Tetanus is a potentially severe bacterial infection caused by Clostridium tetani, typically found in soil. The bacteria enter the body through wounds, cuts, or puncture injuries. Tetanus can cause muscle stiffness and spasms, and in severe cases, it may be life-threatening. The Tetanus vaccine, usually administered alongside diphtheria and pertussis (DTP), offers effective protection. Boosters are recommended every 10 years, particularly for travelers heading to areas with limited access to medical care.
Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that affects the respiratory system. Vaccination, typically given in combination with tetanus and pertussis, is essential for protection. Depending on travel destinations, boosters may be required.
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that causes fever and a distinctive rash. Vaccination with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is crucial for protection.
Rabies is a viral infection transmitted through the bite or scratch of an infected animal. If bitten, post-exposure prophylaxis is essential, and pre-exposure vaccination may be advised for travelers heading to high-risk areas.
Yellow Fever is a viral infection spread by mosquitoes, potentially leading to severe illness or death. Vaccination is often required for entry into countries where there is a risk of yellow fever transmission.
Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection that causes high fever and gastrointestinal symptoms. It spreads through contaminated food and water. Vaccination, along with careful food and water precautions, is recommended for prevention.
Routine Vaccination
As winter approaches, so does flu season. If you want to help prevent the spread of the flu, which affects millions of Canadians each year, book your immunization shot today. Both of our locations offer influenza vaccination services. It’s a quick and easy process, and you can book online anytime. If you have any questions or need to speak with one of our pharmacists, feel free to give us a call.
Shingles is a painful rash caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person has chickenpox in childhood, the virus remains dormant in the body and can reactivate later in life to cause shingles. The pain from shingles can be intense, often interfering with daily activities like walking and sleeping. Symptoms may include burning sensations, tingling, long-lasting nerve pain, or changes in vision, hearing, or touch.
It’s estimated that nearly 1 in 3 people will experience shingles in their lifetime, with the risk increasing after the age of 50. We recommend the Shingrix vaccine for most individuals over 50 to reduce the risk of shingles and the long-term nerve pain that can follow the infection.
Pneumonia is a lung condition often caused by pneumococcal bacteria, and certain individuals are at higher risk of severe infections. This includes those with chronic lung conditions, diabetes, weakened immune systems, or anyone over the age of 65. Our pharmacy offers two types of pneumonia vaccines to help reduce your risk. Speak with our pharmacy team to determine which vaccine(s) may be most suitable for you to prevent this potentially debilitating or fatal condition.
If you have any questions about our pneumonia vaccination or would like to discuss what’s best for your specific needs, give us a call.
The dTaP vaccination is recommended during most pregnancies and is publicly covered (for Albertans) when administered at a pharmacy.
This vaccine is typically recommended between weeks 27 and 32 of pregnancy. Tetanus vaccines and boosters are also advised for the general public every 10 years, though accessing it through Alberta Public Health may be a more cost-effective option for this purpose.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common virus that causes cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose, cough, sneezing, wheezing, and fever, typically appearing 2-8 days after exposure. While RSV usually leads to mild illness, some individuals, particularly older adults and those who are immunocompromised, may require hospitalization. As we age, our immune system naturally weakens, and underlying conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and lung disease can be worsened by RSV infections, leading to more severe outcomes.
Our pharmacy offers the Arexvy vaccine, which is recommended for individuals aged 60 and older to help protect against RSV.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss the best option for your situation, please give us a call.
Gardasil is a vaccine designed to protect against the potentially serious effects of HPV (human papillomavirus), a virus that can lead to genital warts and certain types of cancer. If you were not vaccinated during school, please contact our pharmacy team to find out if this vaccine is right for you.
Other Services
Vaccines for Travel
Vaccines for Travel Destinations
At IDA Capilano Pharmacy and Travel Clinic, our Prescribing Pharmacist offers a full range of vaccinations for travel to any destination worldwide. We also provide personalized health advice based on your specific itinerary. Many countries recommend or require certain vaccines, including some of the most popular destinations on Passport Health’s Top Ten Most Frequently Visited Locations:
- Brazil
- India
- South Africa
- China
- Kenya
- Tanzania
- Vietnam
- Ghana
- Peru
- Thailand
Not traveling to one of these countries? No worries! Reach out to one of our expert travel specialists today to learn about the vaccines and health precautions you’ll need. Book your consultation online or call (780) 784-5454. Stay protected and travel with confidence!
Tavellers Diarrhea
Vaccines for Travel Destinatios
IDA Capilano Pharmacy’s Travel Medicine Specialists provide vaccinations for travel to any destination worldwide, along with personalized health advice based on your travel itinerary. Many countries require or recommend specific vaccinations, including those for our most frequently visited destinations:
- Brazil
- India
- South Africa
- China
- Kenya
- Tanzania
- Vietnam
- Ghana
- Peru
- Thailand
Not heading to one of these locations? Reach out to an IDA Capilano Pharmacy travel specialist today to learn more. Book your consultation online or call (780) 784-5454.
Malaria Prevention
Malaria is a serious, mosquito-borne disease caused by parasites, and if left untreated, it can be fatal. In Canada, over 500 cases are diagnosed each year, with most occurring in travellers returning from malaria-endemic regions.
If you’re traveling to an area with malaria, it’s essential to consider antimalarial medication as part of your travel health plan. Even if you were born in a malaria-endemic country and have since moved to Canada, it’s still important to consult with a travel health specialist to assess your needs.
Not all antimalarial medications are suitable for everyone, and a specialist can help you determine the best option based on your destination, health, and individual circumstances.
To learn more or to receive antimalarial medication, call us at (780) 784-5454 or book your appointment online today at IDA Capilano Pharmacy and Travel Clinic. Stay safe and travel with confidence!
Chikungunya Prevention
Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted through mosquito bites, with origins dating back to the 1950s in Tanzania. It’s spread primarily by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. When a mosquito bites an infected person, it contracts the virus and then spreads it to others through subsequent bites.
Although chikungunya is rarely fatal, it can cause severe discomfort and debilitating symptoms. Most people infected with the virus will experience symptoms, which are similar to those of dengue and often lead to confusion between the two. Symptoms typically appear within a few days, though they can start within 24 hours.
Common symptoms of chikungunya include:
- Fever
- Joint pain
- Muscle pain
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Rash
- Nausea
Currently, there is no vaccine for chikungunya, so the best way to protect yourself is by preventing mosquito bites. Here are some effective methods to reduce your risk of infection:
- Wear long sleeves and pants to cover exposed skin.
- Apply insect repellent containing active ingredients like DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 for longer-lasting protection.
- Use mosquito netting if you’re staying in areas open to the outdoors, especially while sleeping.
- Stay indoors whenever possible, especially during peak mosquito activity times.
- Wear clothes and gear treated with permethrin or other mosquito-repellent treatments.
By taking these precautions, you can significantly reduce your risk of contracting chikungunya and other mosquito-borne diseases. Book your consultation online or call (780) 784-5454.
Zika Virus Prevention
The Zika virus is primarily spread through mosquito bites and is often associated with mild symptoms. However, outbreaks have occurred in regions such as Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands. As a mosquito-borne disease, Zika is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is also responsible for spreading dengue fever, yellow fever, and chikungunya.
There is currently no vaccine or cure for Zika. The best way to protect yourself is by avoiding mosquito bites altogether. The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) recommends the following preventive measures:
- Use insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), or IR3535 for effective protection.
- Wear clothing treated with permethrin or other mosquito repellents.
- Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeve shirts and long pants.
- Stay indoors in screened or air-conditioned rooms, and consider using mosquito netting if needed, especially in areas with high mosquito activity.
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it’s important to avoid travel to areas affected by Zika. The virus can cause serious complications for both mother and baby. For personalized advice, including how Zika may affect pregnancy, consult with a travel health specialist. Book your consultation online or call (780) 784-5454.
Tuberculosis Tests
Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs but can also impact other parts of the body. Not everyone infected with TB becomes sick—some may have latent TB, which can develop into an active form if left untreated.
Common signs of TB include a persistent cough lasting three weeks or longer, chest pain, and coughing up blood or sputum. More severe symptoms may include weakness, weight loss, chills, and fever. Early detection and treatment are vital to prevent the spread of TB to others, such as family, friends, and coworkers.
People most at risk for TB include:
- Those in close contact with someone diagnosed with active TB
- Individuals from countries where TB is common
- Travelers visiting countries with high TB prevalence
- Healthcare workers or others in high-risk environments
Certain groups are also more likely to experience progression from latent TB to active infection.
There are two primary types of TB tests:
- TB Skin Test – A small amount of fluid is injected into the lower arm, and a healthcare professional checks for a reaction after 48 to 72 hours. A positive result may indicate either active or latent TB.
- TB Blood Test – A blood sample is drawn and analyzed in a laboratory for markers of tuberculosis infection.
Both tests are highly accurate and can offer reassurance for individuals concerned about TB exposure.
IDA Capilano pharmacy provides TB testing for individuals, travelers, groups, and businesses. To schedule an appointment, call us at (780) 784-5454 or book online today! Stay informed and take the necessary steps to protect your health.
