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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a travel health clinic?

A travel health clinic is a medical facility that specializes in providing pre-travel medical advice and administering travel vaccinations. Its core purpose is to offer a comprehensive assessment of the health risks associated with different travel destinations, and to recommend appropriate vaccinations and preventive measures to minimize the risk of acquiring travel-related illnesses. These clinics are staffed with trained medical professionals who are knowledgeable about travel medicine and equipped to provide personalized advice to each traveler. By providing tailored healthcare services and promoting preventive health practices, travel health clinics play a crucial role in ensuring the health and safety of individuals who are traveling internationally.

At Travel Health Windsor, we are a specialized vaccination clinic dedicated to providing pre-travel consultation and assessment to determine the required or recommended vaccines for travel purposes. Our expert medical team thoroughly reviews each patient’s medical history, carefully evaluates their travel destination, and creates a personalized vaccination schedule to ensure optimal health while traveling. We provide comprehensive vaccination records and the necessary documentation required for travel after all required vaccinations are completed. Our clinic is conveniently located at 5115 Tecumseh Road East in Windsor, Ontario for easy access.

What do patients bring to the initial appointment?

Upon their initial pre-travel consultation at Travel Health Windsor, patients are required to present their passport, any available immunization records, and a comprehensive list of their current medications. We also request that travellers bring a list of their planned destinations or a travel itinerary to their pre-travel consultation. This information is crucial in helping our medical team determine the necessary vaccines and medications for each specific location and potential health risks.

What is the process for getting a vaccine at Travel Health Windsor?

The process for obtaining a vaccine at Travel Health Windsor is as follows:

  • Schedule a pre-travel appointment with our medical professionals to determine the required vaccines for the location(s) that you will be travelling to.
  • During this appointment, our medical staff will assess your individual health needs and the specific risks associated with your travel destination(s).
  • Based on this assessment, we will provide you with a personalized vaccination schedule and book the necessary appointments for you to receive the required vaccines.
  • The number and type of vaccines required will vary based on factors such as your age, current health status, and travel itinerary. After receiving one or more vaccines, you may be required to return to our clinic at a later date to complete the vaccination schedule.

It is important to follow the recommended vaccination schedule provided by our medical staff in order to ensure proper immunity and documentation for safe travel.

  • Once all necessary vaccinations are complete, we will provide you with proof of vaccination documentation that can be used when travelling to your destination.

Can patients bring a vaccine from another medical clinic for Travel Health Windsor to administer?

Regrettably, we cannot administer vaccines that were not obtained from our clinic at Travel Health Windsor. This is due to several reasons including the inability to verify the quality and storage conditions of the vaccine. Additionally, administering vaccines purchased elsewhere would result in the lack of documentation of vaccination, which is crucial for both the traveler and public health.

What documentation will patients receive for travel?

Travel Health Windsor will provide patients with a personalized vaccination schedule and a comprehensive vaccination record for their travel.

After receiving the necessary vaccines, patients will be provided with documentation, such as an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), or other forms required by their destination country.

Are the vaccines offered at Travel Health Windsor safe?

Yes, the vaccines administered at Travel Health Windsor are safe for both adults and children. Our medical staff follows strict guidelines and protocols to ensure the safety and efficacy of all vaccines administered. We use only licensed and approved vaccines, and our medical professionals are trained in the proper administration of vaccines to ensure that they are given safely and effectively. We also take into consideration any medical history or underlying health conditions of the patient before administering any vaccines.

Is it possible for all family members to receive vaccines at the same appointment?

It depends on the specific vaccines needed for each family member and their individual health needs. Our medical staff will review each family member’s health history and provide a personalized vaccination schedule based on their travel destination and vaccination history.

At Travel Health Windsor, we understand the importance of convenience and strive to accommodate families who wish to receive their travel vaccinations together. Our medical staff will work with you to schedule appointments at the same time or as close together as possible, making the process more efficient and convenient for you and your family. Please inform our staff during the booking process that you would like to schedule appointments for multiple family members.

Can a pregnant patient receive a travel vaccine?

It depends on the vaccine and the individual situation. Some vaccines are safe for pregnant women, while others are not. At Travel Health Windsor, we take your pregnancy status into consideration and follow the recommendations of the Public Health Agency of Canada and other reputable health organizations when making vaccination recommendations for pregnant women. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional, like our medical staff, before receiving any vaccinations while pregnant.

Additionally, some travel vaccines may require a waiting period or multiple doses, so it’s important to plan accordingly with your healthcare provider and travel health clinic.

Can a patient receive a travel vaccine if they have immune system dysfunction?

For patients with immune system dysfunction, such as those with autoimmune disorders, immunocompromised individuals, or those with immune deficiencies, it is important to discuss their medical history and current status with a physician during their pre-travel assessment appointment. The medical team will then be able to determine whether the vaccine(s) needed will be safe and effective to receive. Depending on the patient’s medical condition, some travel vaccines may not be recommended, while others may require additional precautions or monitoring. It is essential to have an open and honest discussion with the medical team to ensure that you receive the best possible care and protection during your travels.

Do the travel vaccines at Travel Health Windsor have any side effects?

Adverse reactions to vaccines, like any medication, are possible but generally rare. Most people who receive vaccines do not experience any significant side effects. However, if you have a history of severe reactions to vaccines or their components, it is essential to inform our medical staff during your pre-travel consultation. The benefits of vaccination typically outweigh the risks associated with travel-related diseases. Our medical team is trained to recognize and manage any potential side effects that may occur.

Common side effects from vaccines may include soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site, low-grade fever, and mild aches or discomfort. Serious side effects are extremely rare but can occur.

If you have any concerns or questions about the side effects of a particular vaccine, please do not hesitate to discuss this with our medical team.

Why do patients have to pay for the vaccines at Travel Health Windsor?

Travel vaccines are not covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), and as such, patients will be responsible for the cost of the vaccines. While some private insurance plans may cover the cost of travel vaccines, it is the patient’s responsibility to confirm their coverage and submit receipts for reimbursement. At Travel Health Windsor, we do not directly bill insurance plans for vaccines administered at our clinic. However, we can provide the necessary information for patients to submit to their private health insurance company.

How much are the travel vaccines and what are the payment options?

We have provided a detailed list of the costs for each travel vaccine on our travel vaccines page, which can be accessed on our website. Payment for travel vaccines can be made through various methods, including cash, debit, and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, and American Express). Our staff will provide you with a receipt that can be submitted to your private insurance company for reimbursement, if applicable. If you have any questions about the costs of travel vaccines or payment options, please do not hesitate to contact our clinic.

At Travel Health Windsor, we do NOT charge a vaccine administration fee ($20 per injection at most pharmacies) at the time of initial consultation or at follow-up vaccine appointments. A consultation fee* of $75 (+ HST) will be charged to each patient at the initial visit and be valid for up to 12 months of future travel appointments.

*Please Note: Individual vaccine prices are not included in this consultation fee