Picking out travel gear and packing is the fun part of getting ready for your trip, however the big yawn (or shriek for some people) of travel preparation is getting vaccinated.

Don’t ignore this part of your to-do list — it’s so VERY important.

As soon as you decide to travel, whether that would be for a few weeks or a few months or indefinitely (go you, crazy brave soul!), do some research and find a travel clinic.  Actually, I should say first go to your family doctor if you have one to ensure you have all your routine vaccines and medications and then find a travel clinic. When you make an appointment, be prepared to tell them where you plan on going and for how long (the first place I called asked me this over the phone and I was pretty caught off guard… “um… everywhere?” was my answer, ha). This helps the travel doctor/nurse to map out (no pun intended) what you may or may not need when you go for your appointment.M

During my experience visiting a travel clinic for the first time, I was thoroughly impressed that when I sat down with the nurse, she already had a very detailed list of things I should get and things that she recommended. Since my RTW trip consists of yet-to-be-determined places, I initially entered a variety of countries in my online questionnaire (it went something like Laos, New Zealand and Peru).  The nurse went through each item on her list, explained what I absolutely needed and what is recommended, what I should do in the event I get sick abroad, etc.  The consultation is not meant to scare you out of traveling – although I did become a little weary after hearing of all the potential diseases I could get in SE Asia – but rather educate you from a health expert in your own country. It helps to have someone put into perspective how things are in other parts of the world compared to Canada or the U.S., and what health options you have.

I already had a good idea of what I needed before I went to the clinic, thanks to all my research and cross referencing on multiple websites such as the World Health Organization, Government of Canada Travel Advisory and the CDC.  I also knew what I was covered under my current provincial health plan and my employment insurance, and what I had already received.

Because I had very good medical and drug coverage with my work that I was going to lose the day I quit my job to travel the world (I love the sound of that phrase!), I knew I had to take advantage and get everything I needed as well as think ahead of what I may need in the future. Vaccinations and drugs are pretty damn expensive in Canada, and being covered 90% helps a whole friggin lot.

The nurse and I decided that I should get the Japanese encephalitis vaccine, to protect against the mosquito-borne disease that is found in Asia, especially SE Asia – where I am headed.  This is a two-shot vaccine separated by 4 weeks (so definitely see the doctor a good few months before you go – don’t leave it to the last minute).  This was about $500 CAD total.

I also opted for the very expensive rabies shot since I had plans of being in rural areas of Laos and Thailand, where rabies can be rampant.  This is a 3-shot vaccine separated by a few weeks each and totals around $700. My nurse also told me that is not easy to get as not many places will carry the vaccine since it is very expensive, so do inquire when you make the appointment if you are looking to get this shot. Also note that this vaccine does not prevent you from getting rabies if you are bit by a rabid dog or bat; you will still need the post-bite shot which may be hard to find depending where you are in the world but it buys you more time which can mean the difference in your life if you do get bit.  Since I am covered 90% on this vaccine, I decided to get it (no brainer right?). This also can give you a peace of mind if you decide to volunteer with animals in a developing country.

The last vaccine I received from the travel clinic is the yellow fever shot.  This vaccine is monitored by the Government of Canada and only certain clinics will have it (they have to be designated to carry it – and they will give you a yellow fever certificate that you carry in your passport). Honestly speaking, I didn’t have concrete plans of going to South America or Africa, where this vaccine is almost mandatory for visitors, but upon reading that it is good for 10 years (and my nurse advising me that the WHO is actually trying to get that changed to one shot is good for life) and knowing that my plans aren’t restricted and that I would LOVE to go to Peru and Ecuador after Asia, I felt comfortable with my decision to get it. It cost around $150, which means I paid only a few dollars after my insurance covered it – again, another no brainer.

Other more routine shots that are recommended for travel (and that you can get from your family doctor or travel doctor):

• typhoid
• hep A and B
• tetanus

Everyone’s health decisions and preferences are going to vary, depending on choice, personal health history and financial situation.  This was just my experience on what I decided for myself.  But whether you plan on getting vaccinated for certain things or not, I still would recommend seeing a travel health specialist. Besides vaccines, they will walk you through recommended medications and can provide prescriptions, discuss water quality and risks in the areas you intend to travel to as well as dangers of certain foods.

Next up on travel prep, I am going to go through which medications I am going to take traveling with me. Stay tuned!