Travel Vaccines and Advice for Canada
Canada is the largest country in North America and the second largest in the world. The country is incredibly diverse in its people, history, and geography. Travellers can go surfing in Tofino, dogsled in the Northwest, learn the old history of Quebec, or meet people from all over the world in Toronto.
Canada can accommodate any type of traveller, from the adventurous to the history buff.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Canada?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Canada
What Is the Climate Like in Canada?
How Safe Is Canada?
Visiting Banff National Park
What Should I Take to Canada?
Do I Need Vaccines for Canada?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Canada. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Canada: hepatitis A, polio, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Moderate risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Canada |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Moderate risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for Canada |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Hepatitis A – Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus, typically spreading through contaminated food or water, or close contact with an infected person. Symptoms can include fatigue, nausea, stomach pain, and jaundice. The hepatitis A vaccine is a safe and effective shot that provides immunity against the virus, usually given in two doses.
- Rabies – Rabies, a fatal viral illness, is primarily transmitted through the saliva of infected animals. Prevention centers on vaccination, with post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) necessary after possible exposure and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) recommended for individuals with increased risk, such as travellers.
- Hepatitis B – The hepatitis B virus causes liver infection, spreading through contact with infected bodily fluids. Prevention measures include safe practices and, notably, hepatitis B vaccination. This vaccine effectively triggers the immune system to produce antibodies, offering reliable, long-term protection against the virus.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are viral infections that spread easily. Vaccination with the MMR vaccine is the PHAC’s top recommendation for preventing these diseases. It offers comprehensive protection against all three viruses, ensuring the safety of both individuals and the community.
Some parts of Canada, especially western Canada, have had measles and mumps outbreaks in recent months. Make sure your vaccinations are up-to-date before travelling.
See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Canada
Prevent Bug Bites in Canada
If you get bitten by bugs, clean the area, resist scratching, and use over-the-counter remedies like hydrocortisone or antihistamines to relieve itching. Seek medical attention for severe reactions.
Food and Water Safety in Canada
When abroad, prioritize food safety by adhering to PHAC guidelines: opt for fully cooked dishes, steer clear of raw seafood, and choose eateries with good hygiene practices. Stick to bottled beverages, be cautious with ice, and drink alcohol responsibly. Prevent travellers’ diarrhea through vigilant hand hygiene and avoiding unsanitary street food.
What Is the Climate Like in Canada?
Canada’s climate is almost as diverse as its attractions. Make sure you bring what you need for your trip.
- Toronto – This city’s climate is moderated by Lake Ontario. It is warm and humid in the summers and cold in the winter. There is snow on the ground most days during the months between December and March.
- Edmonton – In Edmonton it is sunny, even in the winter. The climate is dry, with rain in the summer. The summer is cool and winters and very cold. Snow with a depth greater than 1 cm occurs about 141 days each year.
- Ottawa – Ottawa has warm and humid summers, and very cold winters. In the summer, the temperature reaches 25. But, winter can be cold and well below freezing.
How Safe Is Canada?
To stay safe while travelling in Canada, there are several things you can do. Pay attention to your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings. Use official taxis or ride-sharing services, and do some research about the places you plan to visit.
Canada can have extreme weather conditions. Be prepared with appropriate clothing and gear.
Follow COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions, and have emergency contact numbers and information available. It’s important to respect local laws and customs to avoid getting into trouble.
Canada is a great country for travellers, but these precautions can help ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Visiting Banff National Park
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People visit Banff National Park to see the stunning scenery, which includes mountains, lakes, and glaciers. There are lots of things to do in Banff, such as hiking on trails, camping, skiing, and snowboarding in the winter.
The Banff Upper Hot Springs are also a popular place to visit. People can relax in natural hot springs while looking at the mountains. Animals, like bears and wolves, live in Banff, making it a great place for wildlife viewing and photography. People can also enjoy water activities on the lakes, such as canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing.
Banff has many scenic drives, including the Icefields Parkway, where people can see waterfalls, glaciers, and mountains.
Banff National Park is a great place to visit for anyone who loves nature and outdoor activities.
What Should I Take to Canada?
Make sure you bring these key items with you on your trip to Canada:
- Warm Clothing – Winters get incredibly cold in Canada, so a good, thick jacket is a necessity. Your extremities tend to get colder faster, so bring a pair of thick gloves if you plan on playing in the snow.
- Hiking Shoes – There is a lot of hiking that can be done throughout the country. If you plan on exploring the outdoors, good shoes will be imperative.
- Umbrella – If you’re visiting when it is expected to rain, an umbrella or raincoat will keep you dry.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Canada
“The nurse was highly accommodating with answering questions and talking through travel options for Canada.”
“I came in for last shot before travelling to Canada and it was fast and painless.”
“Great job! On time. Precise. Great communication. Thank You!”
“The nurse was very kind and professional. Made sure I was well informed for my Canada trip, took her time, and was very positive and approachable. Great job!”
“Nurse was very knowledgeable and gave us a great deal of information to consider for our Canada trip. She also established a reasonable calendar for us to complete our vaccination program.”
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