Travelling internationally with children can be an exciting adventure. Whether you are planning a family beach holiday, visiting relatives overseas, or heading off on a big international adventure, there is plenty to think about before you go.

Passports? Check. Snacks? Hopefully. Favourite stuffed animal? Definitely.

But when it comes to travel health, children are not simply small adults. Their age, vaccination history, destination and individual health needs can all affect the advice they receive before travelling.

A little planning before takeoff can help your family feel more prepared and reduce the risk of preventable health problems while you are away.

Why Is Travel Health Different for Children?

Children can have different travel health needs than adults because their routine immunizations, age, medical history and immune systems can all affect which vaccines or medications may be appropriate.

Some children may also be more vulnerable to certain illnesses while travelling, particularly when visiting destinations where diseases that are uncommon in Canada are more common.

That does not mean international travel is off the table. It simply means that your child’s travel health plan should be considered alongside the rest of your family’s plans.

At Virtual Travel Clinic, travel health recommendations are based on factors such as:

Start With Routine Vaccinations

Before thinking about destination-specific vaccines, it is important to make sure your child’s routine vaccinations are up to date.

Routine immunizations help protect children against illnesses they could encounter at home or abroad. Depending on the destination and your child’s vaccination history, additional vaccines may also be recommended.

Travel vaccines can vary considerably from one destination to another.

For example, a family travelling to one country may receive very different recommendations from a family visiting another destination.

That is why there is no universal list of “travel vaccines for kids.”

What Travel Vaccines Might Children Need?

Depending on the destination, activities and age of the child, a travel health professional may recommend additional protection.

Possible travel vaccines may include:

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Typhoid
• Yellow fever
• Meningococcal vaccines
• Other destination-specific vaccines when appropriate

Not every child will need every vaccine on this list.

Some vaccines have specific age requirements, while others may be recommended based on where you are travelling, how long you will be there and what you will be doing.

For this reason, it is best to review your child’s travel plans individually rather than relying on a general vaccine checklist found online.

What About Malaria?

If your family is travelling to a destination where malaria is present, malaria prevention deserves special attention.

There are two important parts of malaria prevention:

1. Preventing mosquito bites

Mosquito precautions can include using appropriate insect repellent, wearing clothing that covers the skin and using screened or air-conditioned accommodation when possible.

2. Considering malaria medication

Depending on the destination, itinerary, age and other individual factors, prescription malaria medication may be recommended.

Children may require different medication considerations than adults, including dosing based on factors such as age and weight.

If malaria prevention is relevant to your trip, discuss it before departure rather than waiting until you arrive.

Don’t Forget Traveller’s Diarrhea

Let’s be honest. Nobody wants their family holiday interrupted by a stomach bug.

Traveller’s diarrhea is one of the most common health concerns for international travellers, and children can require particular attention when they become sick because dehydration can develop quickly.

Good food and water habits can help reduce the risk.

When travelling with children:

• Choose food that is properly cooked and served hot.
• Be cautious with untreated water.
• Use safe drinking water when brushing teeth if appropriate for the destination.
• Encourage frequent handwashing.
• Be cautious with food from places where hygiene practices are uncertain.
• Pack appropriate supplies for managing minor illnesses.

Depending on the destination and your child’s circumstances, a healthcare professional may also discuss medications or prescriptions that could be appropriate to have available during your trip.

What About Medications for Children?

If your child takes medication regularly, planning ahead is especially important.

Before leaving Canada, consider:

• Bringing enough medication for the entire trip.
• Keeping medication in its original labelled packaging.
• Packing medications in your carry-on luggage.
• Bringing a list of your child’s medications and doses.
• Checking whether medications are permitted in your destination country.
• Consider whether you need additional medication for your trip.

Some countries have restrictions on certain medications, even when they are commonly prescribed in Canada.

If your child takes prescription medication, checking destination requirements before departure can help prevent unnecessary problems at the border.

What If Your Child Gets Sick While Travelling?

Even with careful preparation, children can still get sick while travelling.

Common travel illnesses can include:

• Traveller’s diarrhea
• Respiratory infections
• Fever
• Dehydration
• Skin infections
• Insect-borne illnesses

Knowing where to access medical care at your destination can be helpful, particularly if you are travelling somewhere where healthcare services may be limited.

It is also a good idea to know what symptoms should prompt urgent medical attention.

For example, a child who develops significant difficulty breathing, severe dehydration, confusion, a seizure, or a serious allergic reaction should receive urgent medical care.

Travelling With Babies and Young Children

Travelling with a baby or young child often requires some additional planning.

Their age can affect which vaccines are appropriate and whether certain travel medications can be used.

Families travelling with young children should consider:

Food and water safety

Young children may be more difficult to monitor when it comes to what they eat and drink. Plan ahead for safe food and water options.

Sun protection

Pack sunscreen, hats and lightweight protective clothing. Sun exposure can be particularly uncomfortable for young children.

Insect protection

Use appropriate insect precautions based on the destination. This can be especially important in areas where malaria, dengue or other mosquito-borne illnesses occur.

Hydration

Bring suitable fluids and make sure your child stays hydrated, particularly in hot climates.

Familiar essentials

A small travel health kit can be a lifesaver when you’re far from home. Consider packing basic supplies your family may need during the trip.

Travelling With Children to Different Destinations

One of the biggest reasons children need individual travel health advice is that destination matters.

A family travelling to a major European city may have very different health considerations from a family travelling to rural Africa, Southeast Asia or South America.

Factors such as:

• Climate
• Local disease risks
• Mosquito exposure
• Food and water safety
• Healthcare access
• Trip length
• Rural versus urban travel
• Planned activities

can all influence the recommendations.

Even within the same country, your itinerary can make a difference.

For example, spending two weeks at a major resort may involve different risks than travelling through rural areas, camping or visiting remote communities.

How Far in Advance Should Children Have a Travel Health Appointment?

Ideally, families should arrange their travel health planning 2 to 4 weeks before departure.

This gives you time to review your itinerary, check vaccination history and address any recommended vaccines or prescriptions.

That said, last-minute travel does not mean you should skip travel health advice.

If your trip is coming up soon, booking an appointment can still be worthwhile. Some protection is better than none, and a healthcare professional can help you determine what may still be appropriate before you leave.

A Simple Family Travel Health Checklist

Before your family heads to the airport, run through this quick checklist:

☐ Routine vaccinations are up to date
☐ Destination-specific vaccines have been reviewed
☐ Malaria risk has been assessed if applicable
☐ Mosquito precautions are packed
☐ Prescription medications are packed
☐ Medications are in appropriate labelled packaging
☐ Safe food and water precautions are understood
☐ A basic travel health kit is ready
☐ Travel insurance information is accessible
☐ You know where to seek medical care at your destination

A few minutes of preparation can make a big difference when you’re travelling with little ones.

When Should Families Get Travel Health Advice?

The ideal time is 2 to 4 weeks before departure, but there is no need to panic if your trip is sooner.

Last-minute travellers can still benefit from a travel health consultation. Your recommendations will depend on your destination, itinerary, age, vaccination history and individual circumstances.

The most important thing is to avoid assuming that there is nothing you can do simply because your departure date is approaching.

Travelling With Kids? Start With a Plan

Family travel should be about making memories, not worrying about what might happen if someone gets sick.

A travel health consultation can help you understand the health risks associated with your destination and determine which vaccines, medications and preventive measures may be appropriate for your family.

At Virtual Travel Clinic, Canadians can access virtual travel health services from home, making it easier to fit travel health planning into a busy family schedule.

Ready for Your Family’s Trip?

Booking your family’s travel health consultation is simple.

Step 1: Book your virtual travel health appointment.

Step 2: Provide your destination and travel details.

Step 3: Discuss recommended vaccines, medications and prevention strategies with a healthcare professional.

Step 4: Follow your personalised travel health plan before departure.

Ideally, book 2 to 4 weeks before your trip, but if you’re leaving sooner, don’t wait. Last-minute appointments are encouraged because some protection is better than none.

FAQ’s