Vaccinations

Yellow fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic disease, which is transmitted through the bite of a contaminated mosquito. Symptoms can include fever, chills, severe headache, nausea, and in severe cases jaundice, bleeding or even organ failure.

The most popular countries in sub-Saharan Africa and Central and South America where yellow fever vaccination is required or recommended are Argentina, Brazil, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Peru, Tanzania and more.

There are numerous countries that require Yellow Fever vaccination in order to be allowed entry into the country. SanoMed Travel Clinic is a designated Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre approved by the Public Health Agency of Canada. With every vaccination, the travel clinic nurse will provide patients with their International Certificate of Vaccination. If the patient is unable to receive the vaccine due to medical reasons, a Certificate of Medical Contraindication to Vaccination will then be provided instead.

Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection transmitted by ingesting food and water that is contaminated with Salmonella Typhi. The symptoms of the disease include a long acute fever, body weakness, abdominal pain, headaches and loss of appetite. In some cases, constipation and skin rash appear.

The highest risk area is South Asia. The countries with the majority of typhoid cases were reported in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Maldives, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

Japanese encephalitis is a mosquito-borne virus found throughout Asia. The first symptoms usually appear 5 to 10 days after the infecting bite. They typically include a fever, headaches, vomiting, confusion and moving difficulties. Seizures are common, especially among children.

Risk areas of Japanese encephalitis are present through most of East Asia. Countries with known risk include Burma, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, South Korea and Vietnam.

Hepatitis A is a liver disease which is spread through the consumption of contaminated water and food. It can also be transmitted through contact with an infected person. The symptoms of the disease are fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and yellowing of the skin and eyes.

Some of the most popular destinations where hepatitis A vaccinations would be recommended include: Brazil, Cambodia, China, Costa Rica, Ghana, India, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru and Thailand.

Hepatitis A and Typhoid are two common infectious pathogens that can cause serious illness in children and adults, respectively. Both infections are spread through contaminated food and water.

The single injection vaccination is recommended for travellers going to Africa, Asia and South America.

Both Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B are viral infections that affect the liver. They can be an acute infection that causes symptoms to develop shortly after exposure to the virus, but can also become a chronic disease in an affected person. Once infected, the virus can spread even when the infected person does not experience symptoms associated with the disease.

Both viruses are endemic in much of the developing world. Many popular travel destinations such as the Caribbean are considered risk areas for unprotected travellers.

Cholera is an intestinal infection transmitted from the ingestion of contaminated food and water. Cholera is often accompanied by travellers’ diarrhea, a common problem caused by an E-coli or salmonella bacteria contamination. The symptoms of cholera include watery diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, bloating, abdominal cramping and rapid dehydration. It can take a few hours to up to five days before the infection causes symptoms.

The Government of Canada has advised residents to be especially careful when visiting sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and Haiti.