As the temperatures drop and the days get shorter you may well be looking forward to some Caribbean sun. If you’ve got a holiday booked in December, or over the Christmas period, now is a great time to start taking steps to stay healthy on holiday.
Your first step should be to make an appointment with a travel health nurse to find out what vaccinations you need for the Caribbean.
How can a travel health nurse help me?
The dedicated travel health nurses at our state-of-the-art clinic, which is located between Downtown Commercial and Downtown West, can provide a range of travel health services.
During our 30-minute appointments the nurse will ask about your travel plans, including dates, places and activities. This will allow them to assess what risks you might be exposed to. They can then make recommendations that will help you avoid exposure to unpleasant and dangerous diseases such as malaria.
They can also give you shots and vaccinations that will protect you if you cannot avoid exposure to pathogens in the Caribbean.
If you’ve got questions about any aspect of travel health, now is the time to ask. Our nurses can advise on food and water hygiene, sun safety and other aspects of safe travel.
How do I make an appointment for travel vaccinations in Calgary?
Canadian Travel Clinics can offer same-day vaccinations at our travel clinics in Calgary. Make an appointment online right now.
What other health appointments should I make?
You may need to attend follow-up appointments for some vaccinations. Some shots, for example, the one for hepatitis A, are given in more than one dose, or you may need to tweak your malaria prophylaxis regime.
If you are living with a long-term condition, you should also make an appointment with your normal treatment provider to discuss your plans. They may have specific advice for you to take into account conditions and challenges you might encounter in the Caribbean. You may also want to get an extra supply of your normal prescription drugs. The Government of Canada has advice about travelling with prescription drugs, which you should read well before you go.
The next step is to check your travel insurance.
Why do I need travel insurance when I go to the Caribbean?
Your usual health plan may not cover you during your stay in the Caribbean. And the Government of Canada will not pay your medical bills if you need healthcare abroad. Still not convinced? Check out our blogpost, Why do I need travel insurance. Talk to your insurer now – and don’t forget to tell them if you have any exciting activities like diving or sailing planned.
Finally, you will want to pick up some supplies. It is not always easy to find ‘summer’ items like sunscreen, light but mosquito-proof clothing, and sun hats in winter, so give yourself plenty of time to shop for them.
From all of us at Canadian Travel Clinics, have a safe and relaxing visit to the Caribbean!