Measles, Mumps, and Rubella!

Today, I visited the Travel Medical Clinic for a consultation regarding the vaccines that we need for our trip to South East Asia! I highly recommend the travel clinic that I went to because the staff were all very professional and knowledgeable. Additionally, the clinic appeared very clean and sanitary. The offices appeared pretty new as well. However, compared to other travel clinics, the consultation fee was a little bit pricy at $69 (not covered by insurance). Be sure to visit a healthcare professional at least 4 weeks before your trip.

The doctor was very nice about helping me figure out my past immunization record. I had about three yellow immunization records in front of me, some with duplicate information on it and some with difficult to read handwriting. It was just too confusing for me to understand! Anyway, after reviewing my history of vaccinations, the doctor prescribed the MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) Vaccine Shot, Typhoid Vaccine Live Oral Attenuated Ty21a, 6 Azithromycin Dihyrdate Oral antibiotic tablets, and  Dukoral Oral Vaccine. 

I was surprised that I needed the MMR shot because I've already had two Measles vaccination shots in the past when I was a child! But apparently, not all of the Measles shots you get as a child provide lifetime immunization. So, it may be worthwhile to ask your doctor about the MMR adult vaccine. The shot is covered by OHIP.

Because we are also traveling to Siem Reap, Cambodia, I inquired about Malaria Pills. The doctor did not advise me to take them because we will not be traveling in high risk locations (see map provided below). Additionally, from what other people have told me, malaria pills seem to have strong side effects and may be more harmful to your body! In other words, I wouldn't take them unless the risk of Malaria is higher than the risk of taking the pills! It is very important that you always double check with a health care professional!

Generally, from my understanding, the following vaccinations are absolutely required when traveling to Thailand and Cambodia:

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Typhoid
• Tetanus (covered by OHIP)
• Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (covered by OHIP)

More information about vaccines can be found at the Public Health Agency of Canada website.

Posted by Rebecca