Canada is the second most popular international destination for U.S. tourists (after Mexico) and is known for its stunning natural beauty, from Niagara Falls and rugged coastal towns in the east, to the majestic peaks of the Rocky Mountains , to the culturally diverse and artistic port city of Vancouver in the West. The country is also a hockey fan’s dream, home to the Toronto Hockey Hall of Fame and legendary teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens, both of which date back to the early 1900s.
If you’re planning a trip to the Land of the Maple Leaf, it’s important to know what vaccinations the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends when traveling to this destination. (Be sure to see your doctor at least a month before traveling to get any vaccines or medications you may need.)
Recommended vaccines when traveling to Canada
As of November 2023, the following are the CDC’s current guidance:
routine vaccination
Vaccinations recommended by the CDC before every trip include varicella (chickenpox), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTaP), influenza (flu), measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), polio, and shingles Herpes vaccine.
Coronavirus disease
COVID-19 is a highly contagious viral respiratory infection. The virus spreads when an infected person exhales droplets or small particles containing the virus, which can then pass through the eyes, nose or mouth of an uninfected person (or in some cases through contaminated surfaces) Enter.
The CDC also recommends getting up to date with the COVID-19 vaccine for everyone who is eligible.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. It is mainly spread when an uninfected person consumes food or water contaminated with the feces of an infected person, or when an infected person prepares food with dirty hands.
This vaccine is recommended for most travelers and is particularly recommended for those who will be engaging in high-risk activities, such as visiting smaller cities, villages or rural areas, or eating street food.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus. The virus spreads when an infected person’s blood, semen or other body fluids enter the body of an uninfected person, which can happen during sexual contact, sharing drug injection equipment, or during childbirth.
The CDC recommends that unvaccinated travelers under the age of 60 to Canada get the vaccine, noting that travelers 60 and older can get vaccinated before traveling to Canada.
measles
Measles is a serious, highly contagious airborne disease that can cause numerous complications, including death. The virus spreads when an uninfected person comes into contact with infected nasal or throat secretions (such as when coughing or sneezing) or breathes the air breathed by an infected person.
CDC recommends that infants 6 to 11 months old traveling internationally receive a dose of Meal Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine before travel. (This dose is not counted as part of the regular childhood vaccination series.)
(Note that meals are also listed under “Routine Vaccinations” from the CDC above.)
Rabies
Rabies is a viral disease most commonly spread through the bite of an infected or “rabid” animal. It infects the central nervous system of mammals, causing brain disease and ultimately death.
The CDC states that Canada is free of rabies, but the disease may still be present in wildlife species, particularly bats. The organization recommends rabies vaccination before traveling to Canada only for those who will work directly with wildlife during the trip, such as veterinarians, animal keepers, field biologists or laboratory workers who will handle mammal specimens.
last minute reminder
Before traveling to Canada, be sure to check the official CDC Traveler Health page as vaccination recommendations may have been updated since this article was published.
Canada’s breathtaking beauty awaits you, so make sure you’re prepared. Before you take off for the Great White North, make sure you’re protected and vaccinated.
Medical Advice Disclaimer: This information does not constitute medical advice or advice of any kind, and you should not rely on any information contained in such posts or comments as a substitute for consultation with a qualified health care professional for your individual needs.