With clinics across Canada and over 20 years’ experience, Passport Health is here to help you prepare for your trip. Visit us before you go.
Want to learn more about staying healthy while studying abroad? Passport Health will be speaking at the Study Abroad Fair in Toronto (Oct. 1), Ottawa (Sept. 30) and Calgary (Sept. 23). Or, visit your local Passport Health location.
Studying abroad is a fantastic experience that allows students to learn more about foreign cultures and the world around them. But, it’s important to make sure you stay safe while away from home.
Passport Health specializes in helping travellers of all types prepare for their trips. Our services include vaccination, pre-travel consultation and even tuberculosis and titer testing.
Each country is unique and has different health concerns. We tailor our recommendations and advice to your specific needs. This includes:
Travel Vaccinations for a Study Abroad
- Hepatitis A – A foodborne illness, this virus is one of the most common among travellers.
- Hepatitis B – Spread through sex and blood, the virus can cause severe liver damage.
- Typhoid – Another foodborne disease, drug-resistant typhoid is becoming more common. The best protection is through vaccination.
- Meningitis – Required for many colleges, this vaccine will provide protection against the virus at home and abroad. Note, some countries do require proof of the vaccination for entry.
- Rabies – Spread by infected animals, the vaccine is highly recommended for travellers staying more than two weeks in a developing region.
- Japanese Encephalitis – A mosquito-borne virus found mostly in Asia, JE can be life threatening.
- Yellow Fever – Proof of vaccination against this mosquito-borne virus is required for many countries.
- Dukoral – Nobody likes getting Delhi Belly. Dukoral helps prevent the infections that most often lead to traveller’s diarrhea including cholera.
- Polio – While the disease has been eradicated in most countries, a few in Africa and Asia still have the virus.
Some routine vaccinations may need to be updated, these often include:
- MMR – The measles, mumps and rubella vaccination will provide protection against these three resurgent infections.
- Tdap – Protecting against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough), the Tdap vaccine is an important part of protection.
- Varicella – If you have not already been vaccinated or contracted the disease, chicken pox can pose a serious threat to college-age people.
- Influenza – The most common vaccine, a flu shot will provide protection all year long.
Not every ailment can be prevented through vaccination. Some can only be avoided through safe practices or use of medications:
- Malaria – A parasite spread by mosquitoes, the best form of protection is through taking antimalarial medications.
- Dengue and Other Mosquito-borne Diseases – There are many infections carried by mosquitoes. Be sure to use repellents and netting while abroad.
- Traveller’s Diarrhea – This often embarrassing symptom is not always preventable. Be sure to get a Dukoral vaccine and bring a traveller’s diarrhea kit just in case.
Schedule your pre-study abroad appointment today by calling or book online now.