Travel Vaccines and Advice for Canada
Canada is the largest country in North America and the second largest in the world. The country is incredibly diverse in its people, history, and geography. Travellers can go surfing in Tofino, dogsled in the Northwest, learn the old history of Quebec, or meet people from all over the world in Toronto.
Canada can accommodate any type of traveller, from the adventurous to the history buff.
Do I Need Vaccines for Canada?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Canada. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Canada: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Moderate risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Canada |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Moderate risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Routine Vaccinations for Canada |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
Some parts of Canada, especially western Canada, have had measles and mumps outbreaks in recent months. Make sure your vaccinations are up-to-date before travelling.
See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.
What Is the Climate Like in Canada?
Canada’s climate is almost as diverse as its attractions. Make sure you bring what you need for your trip.
- Toronto – This city’s climate is moderated by Lake Ontario. It is warm and humid in the summers and cold in the winter. There is snow on the ground most days during the months between December and March.
- Edmonton – In Edmonton it is sunny, even in the winter. The climate is dry, with rain in the summer. The summer is cool and winters and very cold. Snow with a depth greater than 1 cm occurs about 141 days each year.
- Ottawa – Ottawa has warm and humid summers, and very cold winters. In the summer, the temperature reaches upward of 25. But, winter can be cold and well below freezing.
How Safe Is Canada?
Canada has relatively low crime rate. But, violent crimes and crimes of convenience do occur, particularly in urban areas. Travellers should take precautions when visiting large cities or when travelling at night. Take measures to safeguard belongings, especially in public areas.
Visiting the Canadian Rockies
The Canadian Rockies have gorgeous wildlife and scenery and tons of outdoor activities. Travellers can do all kinds of activities including: whitewater rafting, backcountry skiing, or rock climbing. Almost every traveller will find something to suit his or her needs.
What Should I Take to Canada?
Make sure you bring these key items with you on your trip to Canada:
- Warm Clothing – Winters get incredibly cold in Canada, so a good, thick jacket is a necessity. Your extremities tend to get colder faster, so bring a pair of thick gloves if you plan on playing in the snow.
- Hiking Shoes – There is a lot of hiking that can be done throughout the country. If you plan on exploring the outdoors, good shoes will be imperative.
- Umbrella – If you’re visiting when it is expected to rain, an umbrella or raincoat will keep you dry.
Stay safe abroad with Passport Health. Call or book online now and start travelling safely today!
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Canada?
What Is the Climate Like in Canada?
How Safe Is Canada?
Visiting the Canadian Rockies
What Should I Take to Canada?
