Sarah Dayman

                                                              
I am writing this blog about a lot of my experiences in the past few week with preparing for my trip to Colombia.

I of course have to start off with a disclaimer.  *****Any information that is within this Blog is personal. It is not intended to be medical advice.  Six weeks before you travel you need ot visit your doctor or a Travel medical clinic to obtain medical advice that is unique to you and your destination.
The cost of these immunizations are subject to change. The amounts are approximate.

If you go to the Goverment of Canada's Travel advice and Advisories page, you will find a list of illnesses that you have to be aware of for your destination.


If you look up Colombia, you will find the following list (and a few more but these are the ones we are focusing on at this time).

Hep A - I have already received this immunizaiton

Hep B - I have already received this immunizaiton

Influenza - Influenza exists almost anywhere in the world.  It is of no specific risk to us by travelling to Colombia

Rabies - Rabies is transmitted by animals.  If someone was going to Colombia to work with animals then this is strongly recommended.  The vaccination costs over $500CAD.  As we are very low risk of getting Rabies, it is not something we opted to get.

Yellow Fever - This is a big one for South America, Africa and Madagascar.  We have not yet had our Yellow Fever vaccination, so this is one that we had to get. The cost for this was $160CAD each.  This particular vaccination is good for 10yrs however in some countries opinions, it is good for life. We may see some changes in the upcoming years regarding the official validity of this vaccination certificate.  WHO (World Health Organization) will be making decisions soon.

Malaria - There are different types of Malaria.  Depending on where you go, there are strains that are resistant to certain medications.  It is really important that you talk about the side effects of the options when you talk to your doctor.  The cost of the type that we had to get was $150CAD each.

Typhoid - It is a moderate risk in most of the world except North America, Europe and Australia.  It is spread through unclean water and food.
Due to the trek that we will be taking, it does make us high risk.  We did opt to have this vaccine.  It cost us $90CAD each.

Travellers Diarhea - Something that can effect anyone at anytime.  I opted for this however Rich decided to not take it.  I have a very sensitive stomach and am susceptible to stomach issues.  The last thing I needed  isto suffer from this while trekking in the snake infested jungles that don't have bathrooms!  This cost me $105CAD.




We are very lucky as our medical plan through Rich's work will cover us for most of this cost.  If you have a plan, give them a call to see if they will cover you.  If you don't have coverage, you will want to factor this cost into your trip.

Rich and I had a great experience today at the Primary Medical Clinics on Nebo Road in Hamilton.  We had an appointment at 130pm and we did not have to wait.  The Doctor, Pharmacists and staff were very knowledgable and the customer service was excellent!  I do NOT like needles and was very comfortable with having to get 2!

We walked out with everything we needed in less then an hour.   We now have an immuniztion record and a Yellow fever certificate to add to our passport.  They also gave me a great booklet on travel health which I am happy to share or maybe even get you a copy if you are interested!

You can book an appointment and get more information on their website.

Primary Medical Clinic
260 Nebo Road
Hamilton ON
L8W 3K5
905-381-9800

Google Map


 How to Contact me

You can follow me further on my Facebook Page

You can always call or text me at 905 570 7498

Please email me  sarah.dayman@fcatravel.ca



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