Why might you and your family need a travel consult prior to traveling?

Traveling can pose health risks for any traveler. If you are traveling to another country, that country may have a circulating disease that you have no immunity to.

If you have immigrated to Canada and are traveling to visit friends and relatives, immunity to diseases prevalent in your home country that you once had quickly decreases after moving away from your home country.

Our travel health pharmacist will look at your medical conditions, medications, vaccination history, trip itinerary, and activities planned to ensure you have a safe and fun trip.

What is the cost of the consult?

The cost will depend on several factors such as where you are traveling, what you are doing when you get there, and how long you are going. Visit the travel services and vaccination pages for our complete list of prices.

Why is there a cost?

The Government does not pay health care professionals for travel consultations, as it is not considered essential for anyone to travel anywhere. That said, it is a specialized service where our staff has undergone training and received certification to provide specialized advice regarding travel.

Think of it this way, the cost to you will be significantly more (lost wages from missing work, medications to treat the illness, decreased quality of life if you obtain a chronic disease such as hepatitis etc.) if you contract an illness during travel than it is to receive a consultation, advice, vaccines and medications to prevent the illness in the first place.

Can I just get the pharmacist to prescribe one medication without a consultation?

We are required to complete a full assessment prior to prescribing any vaccine for travel.

Do I need a consult if I only want one vaccine?

A consult is required before any prescriptions for vaccines and other travel medications can be prescribed. During the consult we may discover other health risks that you are not aware of in relation to your trip, or vaccines you are due to get. Check your benefits as they may cover the costs of the consult.

Do I need a consult if I am visiting friends and family in the country I was born in?

If you are visiting friends and family we strongly recommend receiving a travel consult. Immunity to many diseases found in your home country reduces very quickly (over a matter of months) when you move away.

How far in advance should I book my appointment?

The sooner the better! Ideally at least 4 to 6 weeks before travel is recommended; however, we will try and accommodate a last minute traveler as best we can.

I am traveling with my children, can they be assessed also?

We provide travel consultations to families and children ages 5 and up. This restriction is due to the law in Saskatchewan that only allows pharmacists to inject vaccines or other medications in children ages 5 and older. For families traveling with children less than 5 years old, we refer them to the International Travel and Adult Immunizations clinic that is offered through the health region.