If you’re preparing for a winter getaway, make sure to do your research.
Travelling to some countries may require you to get vaccinated for foreign diseases.
Local pharmacist Ryan Quinn tells us it’s important to check in with a medical professional before departure.
“I think it is a good idea to look in before you go on any vacation. You should speak with someone about your travel health,” he said. “Pharmacists are very well prepared to give you advice on travel health.”
Most travel vaccines can be performed by a pharmacist, so there’s no need to book a doctor’s appointment.
Pharmacists can also consider your prescriptions and medical history, and how they might impact your travel plan.
Quinn says it’s important to get vaccines done sooner rather than later. He recommends a window of six to eight weeks before leaving.
“It takes some time for your body to mount an immune response to a vaccine, so it doesn’t always work right away. Sometimes it can take some time before it’s effective,” he said.
Quinn also says while it’s rare to have a significant reaction to a travel-related vaccine, it’s important to give your body some time to adjust.
