The second most popular international destination for American travelers (after Mexico), Canada is known for its stunning natural scenery, from Niagara Falls and rugged coastal towns in the east to the majestic peaks of the Rockies to the culturally diverse and artistic port city of Vancouver in the west. The country is also a hockey-lover’s dream, home to the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto and storied teams such as the Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens, both with histories reaching back to the early 1900s.
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If you’re planning a trip to the land of the maple leaf, it’s important to know what vaccinations are recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for travel to this destination. (Be sure to visit your doctor at least a month prior to your trip to get any vaccines or medicines you may need.)
Recommended vaccines for travel to Canada
As of November 2023, here are the current CDC guidelines:
Routine vaccinations
Vaccines the CDC recommends prior to every trip include those for chickenpox (varicella), Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP), flu (influenza), Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR), polio, and shingles.
COVID-19
COVID-19 is a highly contagious viral respiratory infection. It spreads when an infected person breathes out droplets or small particles containing the virus, which can then enter through the eyes, nose, or mouth of an uninfected person (or contaminate surfaces, in some cases).
For everyone who is eligible, the CDC also recommends being up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection that is caused by the hepatitis A virus. It is primarily spread when an uninfected person consumes food or water that has been contaminated by the feces of an infected person, or when an infected person uses dirty hands to prepare food.
This vaccine is recommended for most travelers and is particularly recommended for those who will be engaging in higher-risk activities, such as visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas, or eating street food.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus. It is spread when blood, semen, or another bodily fluid from someone who is infected enters the body of someone who is not infected, as can happen during sexual contact, sharing drug-injection equipment, or during birth from mother to baby.
The CDC recommends this vaccine for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 going to Canada, and notes that those 60 years old and up may get vaccinated prior to traveling to Canada.
Measles
Measles is a serious highly contagious, airborne disease that can lead to a variety of complications, including death. It is spread when an uninfected person comes into contact with infected nasal or throat secretions (for example, from coughing or sneezing) or breathes the air that was breathed by someone with the condition.
The CDC recommends that infants 6 to 11 months old who are traveling internationally get one dose of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine before their trip. (The dose does not count as part of the routine childhood vaccination series.)
(Note that measles is also listed among the CDC’s “routine vaccinations” above.)
Rabies
Rabies is a viral disease most often spread through the bite of an infected, or “rabid,” animal. It infects the central nervous system in mammals, causing disease in the brain and, ultimately, death.
The CDC notes that Canada is free of dog rabies but that the disease may still be present in wildlife species (especially bats). The organization recommends rabies vaccination prior to a trip to Canada only for those who will be working directly with wildlife on their trip, such as veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers who will be working with specimens from mammals.
Last-minute reminders
Prior to any travel to Canada, be sure to check the official CDC Traveler’s Health page, as vaccination recommendations may have been updated since the publication of this article.
With the breathtaking beauty of Canada awaiting you, make sure you’re prepared. Before you take off to the Great White North, ensure you’re protected and vaccinated.
Disclaimer of Medical Advice: This information does not constitute medical advice or recommendation of any kind, and you should not rely on any information contained in such posts or comments to replace consultations with your qualified healthcare professionals to meet your individual needs.