Information from the Travel and Immunization Clinic

In all the previous travels that we have made, we never went to the Travel and Immunization Clinic before any of our trips. We went this time because our doctor told us that he was not able to provide us with the necessary immuniztion shots as they have to be now obtained from the Travel Clinic in Windsor. We were were surprised with the details that had to be given to the nurse in the clinic so that she could determine what immunization we should have for our trip to South America. She prepared a lot of information about the hazards that we could face on such a trip and what precautions we should be taking to avoid getting into trouble on our trip. I have gone over all the information that she has given us to read and am really surprised to learn so much about the diseases, food and water problems that we could encounter. I love to swim and was very surprised at the hazards in swimming in fresh water in South America as well as swimming in the sea where I thought that the salt water is usually safe to swim in. This has been a real learning experience for me.

I also obtained from the Travel Clinic, the web site where Canadians travelling abroad should register their travel plans with the Canadian Government before leaving on their trip abroad. This registration would enable the government to assist a person in case of an emergency abroad or to inform a person of an emergency at home. I have already registered our trip with the Canadian Government and do hope that they will not have to become involved in any event with us. Also I obtained from the Travel Clinic, the Canadian Government web site that gives warnings about travel in any country in the world. I checked the first country that we are visiting and was surprised about the warning that the Government had listed on visits to that country. This was very useful information to be aware of.

Previous to this trip, I had always made my reservations through a travel agent and had expected a travel agent to tell me any travel problems that I should be aware of. I am glad that our doctor sent us to the Travel Clinic as it has made me more aware of all the items that I should be aware of on a trip that we are about to take in less than 4 weeks time.