Travel Vaccines

Which Travel Vaccinations do you need?

The perfect vacation can be ruined by a lack of preparation. Before you hit the road, make sure that your travel shots are up-to date and check with an advisor at our clinic about what else might need attention while traveling abroad!

Swift Clinics offers a variety of vaccinations to ensure your health and safety while traveling.

We offer same-day consultation so that our advisers can fully understand your vaccination requirements. If you have complex travel plans (visiting multiple countries) then ask for a double slot at no extra cost.

Does your destination have some entry requirements?

Border officials may need to see your yellow fever certificate before you enter. Our clinics are designated yellow fever centres and can issue your certificate of immunity. Swift Clinics can also provide certificates of vaccination against meningococcal meningitis.

Do you need malaria prophylaxis?

Swift Clinics can provide you with the tablets and the advice you need to avoid this deadly mosquito-borne disease. Our advisers can also tell you what you need to do to avoid other mosquito-borne fevers such as chikungunya and dengue fever.

Can I get vaccinated for a last-minute trip?

Are you leaving very soon? We can help. Swift Clinics’ experts generally recommend that you get your shots done six to eight weeks before you leave, but we can still help with a last-minute trip. Make a same-day appointment now and set your mind at rest.

Our Vaccines

Cholera is an intestinal infection caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. Like typhoid fever, cholera is contracted by eating or drinking food and water that has been contaminated by sewage. Cholera is often accompanied by travellers diarrhea, and the symptoms can result in vomiting and diarrhea.
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne virus affecting more than 390 million people in over 100 countries and it can cause mild to severe illness. The virus is also known as ‘breakbone fever’ due to its symptoms. There is no specific treatment for dengue other than supportive care, and prevention is key. A Dengue Fever vaccine is not currently available in Canada.
This is a rare but potentially serious infection that can lead to heart or organ damage. It is spread through respiratory vectors. Diphtheria produces a toxin that can cause weakness, sore throat, fever and swollen neck glands. If the toxin enters the blood stream, there can be serious complications. Death rate from diphtheria is 10 percent with treatment, and 50 percent without treatment.
Hepatitis A is a virus affecting the liver. It usually spreads through contaminated food or water. Unlike other forms of hepatitis, A cannot become a chronic infection. Symptoms often appear two to six weeks after exposure. There are epidemics of Hep A from time to time and recovery can take weeks to months.
Hepatitis B is a contagious liver infection with potentially severe symptoms and lifelong impact. It spreads through bodily fluids like blood or semen through vectors like sex, contaminated needles, and contact with blood or open wounds. Sexual transmission accounts for 2/3 of hepatitis B cases as it is up to 100 times more infectious than HIV.
Japanese encephalitis is a mosquito-borne virus found throughout Asia. It is closely related to other infections like West Nile Virus or Zika. It is the most common cause of vaccine-preventable encephalitis in Asia, and can cause neurological damage. Travellers who are staying in or visiting regions with JE should be vaccinated against the illness.
Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease caused by parasites. Left untreated, it can lead to dangerous and it continues to be one of the most deadly infections in the world. Antimalarials, or malaria pills, prevent the malaria parasite from taking root in the body. Unlike a vaccination, antimalarials must be taken on a regular basis.
Meningococcal meningitis is a viral, fungal or bacterial infection causing inflammation of the brain or spinal cord. This serious illness can be transmitted through air droplets, kissing, nasal secretions or environmental transmission. There are two types of meningitis vaccines available in Canada and travelers to Africa or Hajj should consider this.
Polio (poliomyelitis) is a potentially deadly, life-altering disease. The virus enters the body through food or water, and attacks the brain and spinal cord. Over 70 percent of individuals show no symptoms, and 25 percent have mild flu-like symptoms. Polio can lead to permanent disability or death. The best form of protection against polio is through vaccination.
Rabies is a virus transmitted by infected animals including wild, stray or even domestic animals such as dogs, cats, bats, or monkeys. The virus is almost always fatal once symptoms are present and treatment should be sought immediately if bitten or scratched by an animal. Rabies vaccination is the best way to prevent the virus.
Tetanus causing baceteria is found worldwide in soil and surfaces. Unlike most other infections, tetanus enters the body through breaks in the skin such as cuts or wounds. Symptoms can be severe and include: jaw cramping, muscle spasms and changes in blood pressure or heart rate, or serious complications such as respiratory failure causing death.
Travellers’ diarrhea is the most common illness affecting international travellers. Recent studies show up to 70 percent of travellers will come down with diarrhea symptoms during their trip. Like Cholera, this spreads through contaminated food or water. Vaccinations against food or water-borne infections are a great form of protection against travellers’ diarrhea.
Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection transmitted through food or water. It can be fatal in up to 10% of cases in low income regions. There is a high risk of infection in South Asia, and an intermediate risk for travellers to sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa, the Middle East, and South America.
Yellow fever is a preventable disease that spreads through a mosquito bite. It can be a serious, sometimes fatal viral infection which can have a fatality rate as high as 60%. Some countries or territories require proof of immunity or vaccination to enter.
Zika virus is a mosquito born virus and can be spread by an infected pregnant woman to her fetus causing microcephaly. Zika virus can be transmitted sexually from males to females for up to 6 months after exposure. There is no vaccine to prevent zika virus and no specific treatment currently available. The best form of protection is the use of personal protective measures for insect bites.

Preventative Care or Corporate Needs?

Not going anywhere? Not a problem. We can provide medications and immunizations to keep you safe whether at home and abroad. Our medical team can provide the following services:

  • Shingles
  • HPV
  • Hepatitis A/B

Have a Question? Get in touch with us!