Travel Health Checklist

Here is a checklist to help you make sure you have everything you need for your trip, depending on your destination and your health condition(s).

Book an appointment with your pharmacy 4-6 weeks before your trip and ensure the following:

 Are vaccines required for my destination?

 Is malaria prevention required?

 Do I need medication for traveller’s diarrhea?

 Will I be at risk of developing altitude (mountain) sickness?

 Should I take any other precautions associated with my itinerary?

Book an appointment with your family doctor if you have chronic illnesses or are pregnant to ensure the following:

 Is my condition stable? Is it safe for me to travel?

 Do my prescriptions need to be renewed?

 Do I have enough medication and medical supplies for the duration of the trip?

 Do I need permission to travel with my medication? (narcotics, injectables)

Prepare a travel first-aid kit:

 Adhesive bandages

 Alcohol-based hand sanitizer

 Antiseptic wound cleanser

 Blister pads or moleskin

 Disposable latex or vinyl gloves

 Gauze and adhesive tape

 Safety pins and scissors

 Tensor bandages

 Tweezers

 Hot and cold packs

Additional items to consider packing include:

 Aloe vera gel

 Contraceptives

 Insect repellent (containing DEET or Icaridin)

 Ear plugs

 Extra pair of glasses or contact lenses (or copy of prescription) and contact lens solution

 Mosquito net

 Saline eye drops

 Sleep mask

 Sunscreen

 Water purification filter or tablets

Make sure you have sufficient quantities of prescription medications, routinely used non-prescription medications, and medications you may want on hand to treat illness during your travels. If in doubt, ask your pharmacist for recommendations of products that are suitable. They will consider your destination, your medical conditions and check for interactions with other medications that you take.

Consult your pharmacist for a pre-travel consultation for any of the following concerns:

 Any prescription or non-prescription medicines normally used at home

 Syringes or needles for medical use¹

 Allergy medication

 Antacids

 Antibacterial and anti-fungal medication including spray/cream

 Anti-diarrheal medication

 Laxatives

 Pain and fever medication

 Cold sore medication

 Cough drops and throat lozenges

 Decongestants

 Eye drops

 Hemorrhoid medication

 Hydrocortisone cream

 Motion sickness medication

 Packets of oral rehydration salts

 Skin creams

 Sleep aids

 Urinary tract infection medication

 Vaginitis or yeast infection medication

1 or 2 weeks prior to departure, visit the pharmacy.

 Purchase missing items for your travel health kit, including any other medicines you would like to have on hand during your trip.

 Purchase required medications for disease prevention, such as malaria medications, which should be started 1-2 weeks prior to departure.

 Order a vacation supply of your routine prescription medications.

 Ask for an up-to-date list of your medications. You may also consider receiving a more thorough medication review or assessment prior to your trip.

 If you have severe allergies, make sure your epinephrine injection device does not expire during your trip.

 If you will be crossing time zones and taking time-sensitive medications (diabetes medications, medications to be taken on an empty stomach or with food), ask your pharmacist for a plan to adjust your dosing schedule to the new time zone.

If travelling with children:

 Make sure routine immunizations are up to date. Also find out whether vaccines or other travel medications are required or recommended for your itinerary.

 Pack medications to treat common conditions that may arise, such as fever or allergies.

In addition to medications, your trip preparations should also include packing the following important documents:

 Make a contact card with the following information:

 Contact information for a family member or friend in Canada

 Contact information for your health care provider

 Address and phone number of your accommodation at your destination

 Address and phone number of hospitals or clinics at your destination

   Contact information of the Canadian Embassy, Consulate or High Commission office in your destination(s)

 Emergency phone number from your travel health insurance provider

 Proof of insurance coverage

 Copy of immunization records

 Passport

 An up-to-date list of all your medications

Your pharmacist is an important ally in preparing for your trip and can make a real difference in providing peace of mind while you’re away from home. Make sure you benefit from his or her advice before you leave and enjoy your travels!