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PEEL TRAVEL CLINIC & Saldanha Health Centre

Travel Health Checklist

Preparing for international travel takes more than packing a suitcase. This checklist walks you through everything you need to do — from 8 weeks before departure to the day you leave — to protect your health abroad.

The most important first step: book a pre-travel consultation with our travel medicine physician at Peel Travel Clinic. Call (905) 890-2757.

8-Week Pre-Travel Countdown

8 Weeks Before

  • ☐ Book your pre-travel health consultation
  • ☐ Research entry requirements for your destination(s)
  • ☐ Check if Yellow Fever certificate is required
  • ☐ Start Hepatitis B series (3 doses over 6 months) if unvaccinated
  • ☐ Review your routine vaccinations (MMR, Tdap, flu shot)

6 Weeks Before

  • ☐ Attend travel health consultation with physician
  • ☐ Receive first doses of required travel vaccines
  • ☐ Get malaria prescription if needed
  • ☐ Start Rabies pre-exposure series if recommended (3 doses over 3–4 weeks)
  • ☐ Arrange travel insurance (including emergency medical evacuation)

4 Weeks Before

  • ☐ Receive second doses of any multi-dose vaccines
  • ☐ Fill your malaria prescription and any standby antibiotics
  • ☐ Assemble travel health kit (see below)
  • ☐ Confirm Yellow Fever ICVP certificate is in order
  • ☐ Check destination-specific health advisories (PHAC Travel Health Notices)

2 Weeks Before

  • ☐ Receive any remaining vaccine doses
  • ☐ Begin malaria prophylaxis if required (Malarone: 1–2 days before; Mefloquine: 2–3 weeks before)
  • ☐ Pack your medications in carry-on luggage with pharmacy labels
  • ☐ Carry copies of all vaccination records and prescriptions
  • ☐ Register with Global Affairs Canada if travelling to a high-risk destination

Day of Departure

  • ☐ Yellow Fever ICVP certificate (yellow card) in your travel wallet
  • ☐ All medications in carry-on with pharmacy labels
  • ☐ Travel insurance documents and emergency contact numbers
  • ☐ Written record of your vaccines received
  • ☐ Know where the nearest hospital or clinic is at your destination

Travel Health Kit Essentials

Medications

  • •Malaria prophylaxis (if prescribed)
  • •Standby antibiotic (travellers' diarrhea)
  • •Oral rehydration salts
  • •Antihistamine (allergic reactions)
  • •Pain reliever / anti-inflammatory
  • •Motion sickness medication
  • •All regular prescription medications

Protection

  • •DEET insect repellent (20–30%)
  • •Permethrin-treated clothing (for high-risk areas)
  • •Mosquito net (if staying in basic accommodation)
  • •Sunscreen SPF 30+
  • •Water purification tablets or filter
  • •Hand sanitizer

Documents

  • •Yellow Fever ICVP certificate (yellow card)
  • •Vaccination record / immunization history
  • •Prescription copies (in original packaging)
  • •Travel insurance policy + emergency number
  • •Emergency contact list
  • •Copy of passport (stored separately)

Key Vaccines by Destination Type

Destination Type Core Vaccines Consider
All-inclusive resort (Caribbean, Mexico) Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tdap Hepatitis B, Dukoral
Sub-Saharan Africa Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Malaria pills Rabies, Meningococcal, Hepatitis B
South Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh) Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tdap Rabies, Japanese Encephalitis, Malaria (region-specific)
Southeast Asia Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tdap Rabies, Japanese Encephalitis, Malaria (rural areas)
Backpacking / long-term travel Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Rabies, Tdap Japanese Encephalitis, Malaria prophylaxis, Dukoral
Europe / Australia / USA Routine vaccines up to date (MMR, Tdap, flu) TBE (Central/Eastern Europe hiking)

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I start preparing for international travel?

Ideally 6–8 weeks before departure. Some vaccines require multiple doses spread weeks apart (Hepatitis B series, Rabies pre-exposure), and others need time to become effective. For last-minute travel (under 2 weeks), call us immediately — we can still provide same-day consultations and administer whatever vaccines are feasible given your timeline.

Do I need a travel health consultation even if I have been to this country before?

Yes — disease risks and outbreak advisories change over time. A country that was low-risk two years ago may have active outbreaks now. Vaccine recommendations also change. Your medical history and medications may also have changed since your last trip. A quick consultation ensures your protection is current.

What documents should I bring to my travel health consultation?

Bring your travel itinerary (destinations, dates, planned activities, accommodation type), your immunization records if available, a current medication list, your health card (OHIP), and your passport if you need a Yellow Fever ICVP certificate. If you have travel insurance, bring the policy details too.

Which travel vaccines are covered by OHIP?

The flu shot is covered for eligible Ontario residents. Routine childhood vaccines are covered through the school immunization program. Most travel-specific vaccines (Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Rabies, Japanese Encephalitis, etc.) are not covered by OHIP and are paid out-of-pocket. Some employer benefit plans or private insurance may cover travel vaccines — check your plan before your appointment.

What is the most commonly forgotten item on a travel health checklist?

Travellers' diarrhea prevention — specifically, having a plan. This means knowing whether to take Dukoral (oral cholera/TD vaccine), having an antibiotic prescription for standby treatment, and knowing the oral rehydration strategy. Diarrhea affects 20–50% of international travellers and is the most common travel illness. Ask your physician about a standby antibiotic prescription at your consultation.

Book Your Pre-Travel Consultation

Start your travel health checklist with a physician consultation. Peel Travel Clinic, Mississauga.

Call (905) 890-2757

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Disclaimer: Vaccine eligibility depends on medical history and individual circumstances. The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not replace a consultation with our physician. Please book an appointment to discuss which vaccines and medications are right for you.