Health Canada has recently posted the following travel advisories:
Reports of Gastrointestinal Illness - in the Dominican Republic - Released: January 20, 2005 Click Here for More
Tetanus, Diptheria and Polio
Click on images below for detailed Tetanus, Diptheria and Polio facts and prevention information.
Be prepared. Your local Travel Clinic can help you plan for a safe and healthy adventure. What Is It?
Tetanus (Lockjaw) is a rare but severe disease that causes muscle contractions which can lead to breathing problems and even death.
Tetanus can occur if contaminated soil enters cuts or wounds, such as a burn.
Diphtheria is a disease of the respiratory passages, transmitted from person-to-person, which may cause severe heart disease.
In the developing world, diphtheria is sometimes spread via unpasteurized milk.
Polio is a widespread disease in the developing world outside North and South America, which may result in paralysis.
Polio is transmitted primarily through food or water contaminated with feces.
Where Is It?
Prevention Tips
All Canadians should receive their first (primary) immunization series against tetanus, diphtheria and polio during childhood.
If you're travelling with infants and children, you should discuss their immunization needs, especially if travelling for extended periods of time,
which might interrupt your child's normal immunization schedule.
Available Immunizations
All Canadians should receive a booster against tetanus and diphtheria every 10 years, whether travelling abroad or not.
If you have not received the complete primary series, consult your health care professional about completing it.
Canadians travelling to areas of the world where polio is still prevalent should have received their primary immunization
series of polio vaccine and a booster within the last 10 years.
If you have not received the primary series, then you should receive at least two doses of polio vaccine 4 weeks apart prior to departure, if time allows.
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