Pharmacist’s Tips – Travel Immunizations

Travel Immunizations

Are you traveling to a different country to get away from our sometimes volatile southern Alberta winter?  Do you need any immunizations before you leave? Two of the many services we provide at Stafford Pharmacy are travel consultations and the administration of travel vaccines.  Here are a few tips to help you get organized and protected against a disease that may be present in the country to which you are traveling.

1. Prepare far in advance.  Getting immunized a week before you go will not give you adequate protection from disease. Children under 9 years need to be seen at the health unit, so you would be wise to book appointments up to six months in advance.  At a minimum, you should start your vaccination series  at least two months before travel.  Check with one of our pharmacists as soon as you know you’re going to travel and we can make sure you will be ready in time.

2. Obtain your immunization record.   Having this information ready before you come for a travel consultation will help to ensure you get the vaccinations you need, and avoid getting re-immunized with those you have already received.  This will also help save time and money!

Additional Travel Tips

1. Make a list of the things you need to get ready to go.  There’s nothing worse than discovering the day before you leave that your passport has expired.

2. Make sure your prescription medications are in pharmacy-labeled vials.  If they are in a blister pack or dosette, we can provide you with a computer-generated list to go with the pack.

3. HAVE FUN!

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