What is a VFR traveler?

VFR stands for Visiting Friends and Relatives. It includes immigrants returning to their home country, second-generation Canadians visiting extended family, and parents traveling with children to introduce them to their roots. VFR travelers often stay longer, eat local food, and have more direct contact with communities, which can increase the risk of travel-related illnesses.

Why are VFR travelers at higher risk for travel illnesses?

VFR travelers may skip pre-travel consultations, stay in rural or under-resourced areas, be unaware of current disease outbreaks, and have immunity that has changed after years of living in Canada. These factors increase the risk of malaria, typhoid, hepatitis A and B, tuberculosis, and parasitic infections.

What vaccines should VFR travelers get before traveling?

VFR travelers should get routine vaccines like MMR, tetanus, and flu, as well as travel-specific vaccines such as typhoid, hepatitis A and B, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, and meningococcal vaccines. Children may require accelerated schedules for some vaccines.

How can I prevent malaria while visiting my home country?

Take prescribed antimalarial medications, use DEET or icaridin insect repellent, and sleep under mosquito nets. Wearing long sleeves and pants and staying in screened or air-conditioned accommodations can also reduce the risk.

Why should I book a pre-travel consultation with Whole Health Pharmacy Edmonton?

Whole Health Pharmacy Edmonton specializes in VFR travel health. We provide personalized travel consultations, vaccines for children 2 years and older, malaria prevention, and expert guidance on staying healthy abroad. We offer no consultation, injection, or certificate fees, and easy online booking to make your travel preparation simple and stress-free.

VFR Travel Health: Travel Clinic Edmonton | Travel Vaccines & Malaria Prevention Canada

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