SOME QUESTIONS EVERY TRAVELLER HAS: Do I need shots? Which shots do I need? Where do I get them? Will I be exposed to any illnesses while I am there? How do I bring my syringes and insulin on the airplane? Can I get prescription drugs there if I need them? Should I bring some Advil, Imodium, Pepto Bismol, Gravol? Etc...
 

Here are a few travel health websites and some tips to assist you in finding the answers to the above, and many more, travel health questions:

Contact the local International Travel Health Clinic for information. Canada wide contact information for Travel Health Clinics can be found at: http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/tmp-pmv/travel/clinic_e.html and the nearest International Travel Health Clinic is located at: Mediplex Building, 40 Church Street, Antigonish, Phone: (902) 863-4558, ext 1 www.mediplex.ca. You can also visit the StFX Health Centre, Bloomfield Centre, Phone: (902) 867-2263.

Find out the immunization requirements for your destination country. For example, most countries require Diptheria, Tetanus, and Polio immunizations and some countries also require Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Yellow Fever. Make sure you know the requirements and the time prior to travel needed to allow maximum effectiveness for any immunizations you may need.

Visit the following websites for information on immunization requirements and travel health issues for your destination country:

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/tmp-pmv/index.html

http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx

Bring along any medications you think you may require. It will be difficult, if not impossible, to obtain over the counter or prescription medications while on an immersion experience.

Know the requirements for bringing prescription and non-prescription medication and medical supplies into your destination country:

Visit http://www.voyage.gc.ca/drugs_drogues/medication_medicaments-eng.asp for information on transporting medication and medical supplies.

All prescription and non-prescription medications must be in their original packaging.

You need to carry a letter from your doctor along with your prescriptions and/or medical supplies (e.g. syringes for insulin, Epi-pens) to avoid having them taken from you at customs.

Find out the airline requirements for transporting medical supplies (syringes for example).

In the event you have allergies to food, medications or other items you must be prepared to deal with an allergic reaction while on your immersion experience.

Alert the host of any food allergies.

Ensure that you are carrying any medications you will need to counteract an allergic reaction.

Let someone know where the medication is and how it must be administered in case you are unable to administer it yourself (e.g. Epi-pen).

Give careful consideration to any current medical conditions, injuries or disabilities which may have an impact on your mobility or other aspects of your travel experience.

If necessary, wear a medical alert tag.

2011 February Break
A Community Member Getting Coconuts for StFX Students in Cuba