Visiting Friends and Relatives Abroad: Travel Health Tips for Safe Journeys

There’s a magic in returning “home”—the laughter of cousins you haven’t seen in years, the aroma of your grandmother’s cooking drifting through a sunlit kitchen, the warmth of a familiar hug that no time or distance can erase. For many Canadians, traveling to visit friends and family abroad is more than a trip; it’s a bridge to memory, family, and roots.

But as heartwarming as these journeys are, they also carry hidden health risks that travelers often underestimate. VFR (Visiting Friends and Relatives) travel presents unique challenges, making pre-travel health consultations and vaccinations essential for safe and joyful trips.

Who Are VFR Travelers?

VFR travelers are Canadians who travel abroad to visit family and friends. They include:

• Immigrants returning to their country of origin

• Second-generation Canadians visiting extended family

• Parents introducing their children to their cultural roots

Unlike tourists, VFR travelers often stay longer, live in local homes, eat local foods, and engage closely with communities—experiences that are deeply meaningful, but that also increase exposure to infectious diseases, malaria, and other travel-related health risks.

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), more than 2 million Canadians travel abroad each year to visit friends and family—and this group experiences higher rates of illness than typical tourists.

Why VFR Travelers Face Higher Health Risks

Cultural and Societal Barriers

• Language and cultural differences may make pre-travel health advice harder to understand.

• Lack of awareness about travel medicine or the need for pre-travel vaccinations.

• Mistrust of the healthcare system due to past experiences or immigration-related concerns.

• Belief that Canadian healthcare providers may not fully understand health risks in their home country.

Healthcare System Barriers

• Limited knowledge among some providers about travel vaccines and non-endemic diseases.

• Time constraints for thorough pre-travel counseling.

• Implicit bias or lack of cultural humility may affect the quality of care.

Social and Financial Barriers

• Costs of vaccines, medications, or travel health consultations.

• Limited access to travel clinics in the community.

• Transportation and language challenges that prevent timely care.

Common Health Risks for VFR Travelers

Malaria

• High-risk travel to endemic regions can lead to exposure.

• Immunity can wane over time, even for those born in endemic regions.

• Prevention: chemoprophylaxis, insect repellents, protective clothing, and mosquito nets.

Arboviral Diseases (Dengue, Chikungunya, Zika)

• Avoid mosquito bites, especially at dawn and dusk.

• Vaccines are limited; prevention relies on barrier measures.

Enteric Fever (Typhoid)

• Risk increases with prolonged stays and consuming local foods.

• Vaccination recommended regardless of past infection history.

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Risk increases with prolonged stays and close contact with local populations.

• Pre- and post-travel screening may be appropriate.

Viral Hepatitis (A, B)

• Hepatitis A: vaccination recommended for non-immune children and adults.

• Hepatitis B: screen and vaccinate travelers from high-prevalence regions.

Measles and Other Vaccine-Preventable Diseases

• Ensure MMR and other routine vaccinations are up to date, especially for children.

Rabies

• Avoid contact with animals, especially dogs.

• Pre-exposure vaccination recommended for travelers at risk.

Non-Infectious Risks

• Trauma: Local transport and traffic patterns may increase injury risk.

• Special Populations:

  • Pregnant travelers: higher risk from malaria, hepatitis E, and Zika virus.

  • Children: vulnerable to infections, dosing challenges, and accidents.

  • Older adults: chronic conditions may complicate travel.

  • Immunocompromised travelers: more severe infections and vaccination challenges.

Pre-Travel Health Recommendations

1. Schedule a Pre-Travel Consultation

• Ideally 6–8 weeks before departure.

• Assess vaccines, medications, and destination-specific risks.

2. Vaccinations

Essential vaccines for VFR travelers:

• Routine: MMR, tetanus, varicella, flu

• Travel-specific: Typhoid, Hepatitis A/B, Yellow Fever, Japanese Encephalitis, Meningococcal vaccines

3. Malaria Prevention

• Take prophylactic medication as prescribed.

• Use repellents, protective clothing, and mosquito nets.

• Address cultural or social concerns that may limit adherence.

4. Food and Water Safety

• Drink bottled or boiled water.

• Avoid raw or undercooked foods.

• Eat street food that is freshly cooked in front of you.

5. Rabies and Animal Safety

• Teach children to avoid contact with animals.

• Pre-exposure vaccination for at-risk travelers.

6. Tailored Advice for Special Groups

• Children, pregnant women, older adults, and immunocompromised travelers may require individualized care.

Why Book a Travel Clinic at Whole Health Pharmacy Edmonton

At Whole Health Pharmacy Edmonton, we specialize in preparing VFR travelers for safe, healthy journeys. Here’s why you should book your travel health consultation with us:

✅ No consultation, injection, or certificate fees – making travel health affordable.

✅ Vaccinations for children 2 years and older – your whole family protected.

✅ Designated Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre – certified and trusted.

✅ Personalized care and expert guidance – tailored advice for malaria, hepatitis, and other travel risks.

✅ Easy online booking – schedule your appointment conveniently.

We understand the heart behind every VFR journey, and we’re here to make sure your trip is safe, healthy, and unforgettable.

Book your travel health consultation today and travel with confidence!

Every VFR journey is more than a trip—it’s a story of family, roots, and love that spans continents. Let Whole Health Pharmacy Edmonton help you travel safely, so you can embrace every hug, taste every meal, and make memories that last a lifetime.

Because the heart travels first—and health lets it soar.

References:

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/catmat/statement-international-travellers-visit.html

Book your travel consultation today