FAQ

Frequently asked questions about the travel clinic

Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions about our travel clinic .

Do you have any questions for us?

Some vaccines are mandatory for entry into various countries, and are intended to protect the local population of the country being visited (e.g. yellow fever and meningitis vaccines).

Other vaccines are recommended to protect your own health (e.g. Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, typhoid, tetanus).

For the most popular sun destinations, such as Cuba, Mexico and the Dominican Republic, an update of your basic vaccination (e.g. tetanus), as well as specific vaccinations for your trip, will be recommended.

As full immunization may require more than one visit, it's best to consult us 6 to 8 weeks before your departure.

However, it's never too late to consult. Vaccinations, advice and prescriptions for appropriate medication can even be given the day before your departure, if necessary, and have a major impact on preventing health problems abroad.

We will do our best to see you at the clinic as soon as possible.

The majority of vaccines used for travelers are very well tolerated. At the travel clinic, you'll receive all the relevant information on the possible side effects of the various vaccines.

Most private insurance plans reimburse the cost of travel vaccinations.

We still recommend that you check with your insurance provider.

Generally speaking, for most vaccines, there is no contraindication to vaccination, even when taking antibiotics.

Similarly, a mild infection without fever, such as a cold, or even mild diarrhea in a healthy person, are not contraindications to vaccination.

There is currently no vaccine available to prevent malaria. On the other hand, effective medications can help prevent this disease, and for most travellers, these are well tolerated. It is important to consult your doctor well in advance of your departure, as these drugs must be taken before your stay in the malaria zone.

Most side effects are minor, and your travel health clinic professional will discuss the main issues with you. It's important to remember that malaria is a potentially fatal disease or one that can cause serious health problems, so we must try to prevent it properly.

Important advice on how to avoid insect bites will be given to you at the clinic.

Are vaccination costs reimbursed by my private insurance company?

My children are coming with us on the trip. Do they need to be vaccinated?

Most private insurance companies offer reimbursement in this regard.

Unfortunately, health conditions and medical services abroad are not always up to our North American standards.

If necessary, the clinic's healthcare professional will recommend that you bring a syringe kit with an official certificate authorizing transport (available at the clinic).

Many travelers never leave home without this precaution.

I was born abroad and return to my country of origin to visit my family. Do I really need a consultation?

The rabies vaccine is given in 2 sessions. Group rabies vaccination sessions are held every month at the Laval branch. By joining one of these groups, you benefit from a very attractive rate.

Travelling at an early age certainly entails particular health risks for children, so it's essential that they are well protected.

Adult vaccination is also important because, contrary to popular belief, for some diseases, the risk of complication is significantly higher when contracted as an adult. It is therefore recommended that all family members receive appropriate protection.

Pregnancy in itself is a predisposing condition to certain more serious health problems abroad.

Some vaccines and travel medications are indicated for pregnant women. Others, however, can have adverse effects on pregnancy.

That's why it's essential to consult the experts at Clinique santé-voyage to evaluate your situation.

Traveler's diarrhea is a very common problem. There are several ways to minimize the risks.

During your consultation, we'll give you all the advice you need to prevent diarrhoea and, where appropriate, prescribe medication to treat it.

An oral vaccine against traveler's diarrhea is also available.

While it's true that you were exposed to infectious diseases as a child, which may have developed a certain immunity, if you've been in Canada for several years, this immunity may have diminished substantially, depending on the disease.

What's more, visiting your family abroad may involve greater risks than staying in a hotel.

It is therefore advisable to consult the following when planning this type of trip

What is Zika?

If necessary, the clinic's healthcare professional will recommend that you bring a syringe kit with an official certificate authorizing transport (available at the clinic).

Many travelers never leave home without this precaution.

Zika is a viral infection caused by a virus that spreads mainly through the bites of infected mosquitoes. It can also be transmitted by an infected pregnant woman to her fetus. What's more, Zika virus can be transmitted sexually, and the virus can persist in the semen of infected men for an extended period of time. Cases of sexual transmission from an infected man to his partner have been reported. Only one case of sexual transmission from an infected woman to her partner has been reported.

Symptoms may include fever, headache, conjunctivitis and rash, as well as joint and muscle pain. The disease is usually mild, lasting only a few days, and the majority of those infected show no symptoms. There is no vaccine or medication that protects against Zika virus infections.

Experts acknowledge that the Zika viral infection can cause microcephaly (abnormally small head) in developing fetuses during pregnancy and Guillain-Barré syndrome (a neurological disorder). Several countries have reported cases of microcephaly and Guillain-Barré syndrome. Brazil, in particular, has reported a significant increase in the number of newborns with microcephaly.

Some health problems may occur on board the boat, others during your excursions. It is therefore essential to consult the travel health clinic.

Travel health consultation and vaccination fees are not covered by the Régie de l'Assurance-maladie du Québec (RAMQ). Many private insurance companies reimburse all or part of the cost of vaccinations. A receipt for insurance purposes will be issued.

Payment methods :

  • Direct payment (Interac)
  • Cash
  • Cheques are not accepted
  • Visa and Master Card credit cards

In addition to your travel vaccinations, the Groupe Santé-Voyage medical team will recommend certain products that are particularly useful for your trip. Among others:

  • Health kit
  • First aid kit
  • Syringe and needle kit with transport certificate
  • Mosquito repellent
  • Rehydration solution
  • Low support
  • Disinfectant solution

Kits containing some of these essentials are on sale at our various service outlets.

Yes!

Groupe Santé-Voyage offers a conference service for your travel group, whether it's a student trip, a group organized by a travel agency, a business group, etc...

A minimum of 10 participants is required for the conference,please contact Véronique Leblanc for further information: