Vaccines and medications before travel
Measles travel health advice
Before travelling, talk to a health care provider about your travel plans and ensure that you and your family are up to date on routine vaccinations, including for measles.
If you develop symptoms of measles when travelling or upon return, avoid contact with others and consult a health care provider immediately.
When travelling outside Canada, you may be at risk for diseases that can be prevented with vaccines or medications, such as yellow fever or malaria.
Visit a travel health clinic or talk to a health care provider about 6 weeks before your trip to get personalized health advice and recommendations. Even if your travel date is coming up soon, it's still worthwhile to make an appointment.
Discuss:
- whether your routine vaccinations are up to date, as this is important no matter where you’re going
- any additional medications or vaccines that may be right for you, based on your personal health concerns and where you’re travelling
Information on some pre-travel vaccines or medications that may be recommended for your destination can be found in the ‘Health’ section of your destination’s travel advice and advisories page, under ‘Pre-travel vaccines and medications’.
Travel advice and advisories by destination
Yellow fever vaccination
Some countries require proof that you have received a yellow fever vaccination before allowing you to enter the country. You may be asked to present this proof before boarding your plane. Consult an embassy or consulate of your destination country in Canada for up-to-date information on its entry and exit requirements before you travel abroad.
Other countries may require you to have been vaccinated for yellow fever if you have passed through an area where yellow fever may occur.
Proof of yellow fever vaccination must be documented on an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis. You must carry the original certificate with you while travelling.
In Canada, you can only be vaccinated at designated yellow fever vaccination centres.
Find a yellow fever vaccination centre (Public Health Agency of Canada)
Immunization records
General records
Leave the originals at home and carry copies with you.
International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis
You must always carry the original document while travelling.
What happens if you do not show a valid certificate when requested at the border.
Related links
- Malaria transmission and recommended preventive measures by geographical area
- If you become sick or injured while travelling outside Canada or after your return
- Travel Health Checklist: Preparing to travel outside of Canada
- Provincial and Territorial Immunization Information
- Tips for healthy travel
- Travel health notices
- Date modified: