From New York to Los Angeles, Alaska to Hawaii, the Arizona desert to the Vermont snow capped mountains, Latinos to WASP… The United States are so large and diverse that it is impossible to summarize the country in just a few words. An American experience can be an epic road-trip through the country, an escape in the wilderness of stunning National Parks, an instructive cultural stay in Washington, an exciting trip to Las Vegas, lazy sunny holidays in Florida, and many other things… But whatever you are looking for, there is something for absolutely everyone in the biggest melting pot on the planet.
WHAT VACCINES DO I NEED FOR UNITED STATES IN 2021
The Government of Canada and the CDC recommend the following vaccines for travelling to the United States in 2021: Traveler’s Diarrhea, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rabies, Flu, COVID-19, Typhoid fever.
HEALTH INFORMATION
We make every effort to ensure that the information posted on our website is up to date and accurate according to the latest public health recommendations; however, it is impossible for us to make changes on a daily basis.
For the most current travel health recommendations, please call our clinic as make an appointment with one of our travel health professionals.
UNITED STATES – RECOMMENDED VACCINES
| Tetanus – Diphteria – Pertussis Vaccine | Tetanus: In exceptional circumstances (eg, stay in a region where access to health care is limited), for a person aged 18 years or older, 1 dose of DT may be given if 5 years or more has elapsed since the last dose. Otherwise, one booster dose at the age of 50*. Pertussis (Whooping Cough): 1 dose is recommended for pregnant women, for every pregnancy, regardless of immunization history and the interval since the last dose (betwen week 26 and 32). *Only applicable for Quebec. |
| Measles – Rubella – Mumps | Two doses recommended for all travelers born after 1970, if not previously given. |
| Flu – Influenza | Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person through coughing and sneezing or by touching infected surfaces. Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine yearly. Vaccine is recommended 14 days prior to departure. |
| Routine vaccines (dCaT, Polio, Meningococcal, Shingles, Pneumococcal, Hepatitis B, HPV, MMR & Varicella) | Recommended for all travelers |
| Hepatitis B | Consider for most travelers; recommended for those who might be exposed to blood or other body fluids, have sexual contact with the local population, or be exposed through medical treatment (e.g., for an accident). |
| Dengue Fever | Presence. All travellers should protect themselves from mosquito bites. |
| Zika | Presence. All travellers should protect themselves from mosquito bites. |
| Chikungunya | Could be present. All travellers should protect themselves against mosquito bites. |
| Lyme disease | Presence. All travellers should protect themselves against tick bites. |
| Rabies | For travelers at high risk of animal bites or being involved in activities with bats, dogs and other mammals. Clients who plan to visit remote areas may consider receiving this vaccine. Important to note the pre-exposure rabies vaccine is administered in 2 doses with one week interval between doses. Post-exposure vaccination is always recommended, even for those previously vaccinated. |
RECOMMENDED MEDICATIONS
| Antibiotics Traveler’s Diarrhea | Ciprofloxacin, Azithromycin or Suprax. |
| Acetazolamide/Dexaméthasone | Recommended to prevent Acute mountain sickness (AMS). |
MEDICAL CARE
Excellent health care following international standards is widely available in the United States. The medical infrastructure in the country is modern and well equipped, in both public and private sectors. But in the event of serious health issues, it can be better to be evacuated to your country of origin. Be aware that medical care in the United States can be very expensive.
In case of emergency in the United States, call 911. But if you can, it is sometimes preferable to go directly to the nearest medical facility with a private car instead of calling an ambulance. Avoid for-profit emergency care centers, as they are very onerous.
Pharmacies in the United States are well stocked and sell high quality medicines. But it is advised that you bring your own medical supplies, as many drugs in the country can not be purchased without a medical prescription.
SECURITY ABROAD
CANADIAN EMBASSY
Emergency servicesDial 911 for emergency assistance.
