Get Vaccinated Before You Travel: The Shingles Vaccine in Ontario

If you’re planning to travel out of Ontario or especially out of the country, you should consider getting the Shingles vaccine before you go. The shingles vaccine is a great way to protect yourself from this painful and debilitating virus and help ensure that your travels are enjoyable and trouble-free. In this blog post, we’ll discuss why it’s important to get vaccinated before travelling, as well as how to get the shingles vaccine in Ontario.

What is Shingles?

Shingles is a painful rash caused by the Varicella zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. Once you have had chickenpox, the virus can remain dormant in your body and could reactivate at any time. When it does, it causes shingles – a painful blister-like rash on one side of your body. This rash can last up to a few weeks and is usually accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, headache, chills, and fatigue.

Why Should You Get Vaccinated Before You Travel?

Travelling abroad increases the risk of exposure to shingles. In some countries, it’s more common than others. The risk of contracting shingles increases with age, so if you’re over 50 years old or have a weakened immune system, it’s even more important to get the shingles vaccination. Having the Shingles vaccine will reduce your chances of developing the virus while travelling and help ensure that your travels are enjoyable.

Why Get Vaccinated?

The Shingles travel vaccine is used to prevent shingles outbreaks caused by the chickenpox virus. While anyone can contract shingles, those over 50 are particularly vulnerable due to weakened immune systems. Additionally, people who have recently had surgery or those who suffer from certain medical conditions may also be at higher risk of contracting shingles. Getting vaccinated before travelling will help ensure that your trip is comfortable and enjoyable, free of any potential medical issues that could be caused by shingles.

The Shingles Vaccine in Ontario

In order to get the Shingles vaccine in Ontario, you will need a doctor’s referral from your primary care provider (PCP). This can be done through an appointment with your PCP or through a telemedicine visit if available. Your PCP will then send a referral letter to the pharmacy where you can receive the vaccination for free if you are between the ages of 55-64 or 65+; otherwise there may be a cost associated with it which should be discussed with your pharmacist before receiving it. In some cases, insurance companies may cover all or part of the cost depending on your individual coverage plan.

The Zostavax Vaccine

The currently available Shingles vaccine in Ontario is the Zostavax vaccine. This is an injectable vaccine, meaning it will be administered via injection by a healthcare professional on-site at the pharmacy where you have your referral letter sent. It provides protection against shingles and can also reduce the severity of symptoms if you do end up contracting it.

Getting the Shingles vaccine for travel before you go to certain regions is a great way to protect yourself from this painful and debilitating virus. In Ontario, you will need a doctor’s referral in order to be eligible for the free vaccination if you are between the ages of 55-64 or 65+.

What to Bring to a Vaccine Appointment

When you go to get the Shingles vaccine, there are a few items that you should bring with you.

These include

• Your health card
• A list of medications or supplements that you’re currently taking
• Any previous vaccination records (if available)
• Your doctor’s referral letter
• Your insurance card (if applicable)

By bringing these items, you can help ensure that your appointment at a shingles vaccine clinic goes as smoothly as possible and that you are fully prepared to receive the vaccine. It’s important to remember that you need a doctor’s referral in order to be eligible for the free vaccination if you are between the ages of 55-64 or 65+. Additionally, make sure to bring all necessary documents and information with you when attending your appointment.

If you are interested in getting the shingles travel vaccine, you may want to visit a travel vaccination clinic. These clinics specialize in providing vaccines for travellers and can provide the Shingles vaccine as well as other important vaccinations such as Hepatitis A & B, Influenza and Typhoid.

By visiting a travel vaccination clinic, you can get the Shingles vaccination and any other necessary vaccinations in one convenient location. It’s important to note that some clinics may require an appointment so make sure to call ahead and check availability.

Conclusion

Getting vaccinated before travelling is always a good idea! The Shingles vaccine in Ontario can help protect older travellers and those with weakened immune systems or medical conditions from developing this painful virus while they enjoy their time away from home. To get vaccinated here in Ontario, all you need is a doctor’s referral from your primary care provider which can then be taken to any clinic in Ontario offering the vaccination service. Depending on your age and insurance plan, there may be no cost associated with getting vaccinated so it’s always worth checking into first before going ahead with treatment! With the right precautions in place, you can rest assured that your travels will remain safe and worry-free!

Contact us today to book a consultation or an appointment and get the shingles vaccine in Toronto.