TRAVEL HEALTH
Going on a trip?
Prepare your luggage…and your health booklet!
At Groupe Santé Express, your health is important to us, even when you are traveling. That’s why we offer you certain travel products on site, to make your life easier!
For business or pleasure, whether you’re traveling to the tropics, Asia or Africa, ask our team about the vaccines you may need. The vaccines you need depend on the destination, the length of your stay and the context in which you are traveling.
In addition to advising you on the vaccines related to your trip, we will take the opportunity to update your basic vaccinations. Groupe Santé Express is a Public Health Agency of Canada designated center for yellow fever vaccination. All vaccines are available at our clinic and administered the same day of your appointment without a medical prescription.
Travel Vaccination
You are leaving the country… Are there any precautions to take? Are vaccines or other medications needed to prevent certain travel ailments? Does your youngest child need a special vaccination?
Whether you are traveling to the tropics, Asia or Africa, ask our team about the vaccines you may need.
During our first meeting, we will take the time to discuss the issue with you. We will also discuss your health status and, if applicable, your current medication. We recommend that you bring your health record. Additional meetings may be necessary to complete the reminders.
Groupe Santé Express is a designated yellow fever vaccination center by the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Medical prescriptions for travel
Some destinations require you to take medication over a period of time to protect you from diseases such as malaria.
Our nurses will assess your needs during the pre-travel consultation and make the necessary prescription requests for you.
The following prescriptions are available to you:
◆ Treatment of acute diarrhea in travelers
◆ Malaria prevention
◆ Prevention or treatment of acute mountain sickness (AMS)
During our first meeting, we will take the time to discuss the issue with you. We will also discuss your health status and, if applicable, your current medication. We recommend that you bring your health record. Additional meetings may be necessary to complete the reminders.
Some countries require proof of vaccination for entry and some diseases can be avoided by following certain preventive vaccination recommendations.
Recommendations for travellers
Wash your hands regularly or use hand sanitizer. To protect yourself from illness, avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth too frequently with your hands.
Pay special attention to what you eat and drink. To reduce the risk of getting sick, choose food that is freshly cooked and still warm. Avoid unpasteurized dairy products, street foods, water, ice and fruit juices. Fresh foods such as salads, raw fruits and vegetables are also a risk, as are seafood and undercooked meats.
As a precaution, pack a first aid kit in your luggage. Don’t forget to contribute to a travel health insurance plan. It is also recommended that you register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service in case of emergency situations.
Protect yourself from the sun and maintain good hydration by drinking water regularly.
Pilgrimage Vaccination
The Hajj is the spiritual pilgrimage of Muslims to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is the largest annual mass gathering in the world. Nearly two million people from 183 countries participate in the pilgrimage, which takes place every year from the 8th to the 12th day of the last month of the Islamic calendar.
Umrah is another pilgrimage that is similar to Hajj and can be performed at any time of the year.
The recommended and required vaccines for a trip to Saudi Arabia are available at our vaccination clinic in Laval.
Mandatory vaccination for the pilgrimage
All travellers should consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic at least six weeks before departure.
Vaccinations are required to obtain a visa to go to Saudi Arabia. Before leaving, all pilgrims over the age of two must be vaccinated against certain dangerous diseases such as meningitis.
It is important to note that vaccination against meningitis C, which is known in Quebec, is insufficient for the pilgrimage. The Saudi authorities require the quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine (A, C, Y and W135).
Polio and yellow fever vaccines may also be required for travelers from certain countries.
Protection against hepatitis A and B is strongly recommended for travelers, as well as updating basic vaccines such as tetanus, measles, flu, etc. Other vaccines may be indicated depending on the known health problems of the travelers who consult.
