Are Travel Vaccines Free / Covered by Government?

Travel vaccinations are typically not free, nor subsidized by provincial health programs as they are elective or optional and therefore must be paid for privately.

Travel vaccinations are not free in Canada primarily due to several factors:

• Travel vaccines are often specialized and may not be part of routine immunization schedules. They may protect against diseases that are not prevalent in the traveler’s home country but are common in the destination.
• Travel vaccinations are often considered a personal choice related to international travel plans. Individuals are generally responsible for their own health decisions and preparations when it comes to travel.
• Healthcare resources in Canada are primarily directed towards essential services like doctor visits, hospital care, and treatments for illnesses and injuries. Providing free travel vaccinations would divert resources away from these critical services.
• The need for vaccinations depends on the destination, the time of year, and the individual’s health status. Travel clinics invest in additional training, equipment, and resources to provide these specialized services.

Immunizations are among the most effective ways to prevent travel-related infections. Many of the vaccine-preventable diseases that are uncommon in Canada still occur in other parts of the world.