Mexico is one of the most popular trips from Edmonton, and most people come home without any trouble. A little planning before you fly makes that more likely. Here is what the Government of Canada recommends for travellers to Mexico, and how our pharmacist can help you get ready.
Do you need vaccines to go to Mexico?
Mexico doesn't ask Canadian travellers for proof of yellow fever vaccination, and the Government of Canada doesn't recommend the yellow fever vaccine for Mexico. That said, a few vaccines are recommended for most Canadian travellers, and a few more depend on your plans. Entry rules can change, so always check the latest before you go.
What vaccines do I need for Mexico?
The Government of Canada's travel health advice for Mexico points to these. Your pharmacist will tailor the list to where you're going and what you'll be doing.
- Routine vaccines. Make sure you're up to date on measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis, polio, chickenpox and meningococcal vaccines. These are recommended no matter where you travel.
- Flu shot. Get your seasonal flu shot at least two weeks before you leave.
- Hepatitis A. Recommended for travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present. It spreads through contaminated food and water.
- Hepatitis B. Recommended for all travellers. Twinrix combines hepatitis A and B in one series, which some people prefer.
- Rabies. Worth discussing if you're more likely to be around animals, such as people who work with animals, adventure travellers, cave explorers and children.
Depending on where you'll stay and eat, your pharmacist may also talk with you about typhoid vaccine and how to avoid food and water borne illness.
How early should I get my Mexico travel vaccines?
Aim for about six weeks before you fly. The Government of Canada suggests seeing a health care provider or travel clinic around then, because some vaccines need more than one dose and protection takes time to build.
Leaving sooner? Come in anyway. Some protection is better than none, and many travel medicines can be filled the same day.
Other health risks in Mexico to plan for
Some of the most common travel problems in Mexico don't have a vaccine. A bit of preparation goes a long way.
- Travellers' diarrhea. It's the most common illness travellers get. Be careful with food and water, wash your hands often and pack oral rehydration salts. Ask our pharmacist whether a standby antibiotic makes sense for your trip.
- Dengue, Zika and chikungunya. These spread through mosquito bites. The Government of Canada notes there's no vaccine or medicine available in Canada to prevent dengue, so bite prevention matters. Use a repellent with DEET or icaridin, cover up and sleep in screened or air conditioned rooms.
- Zika and pregnancy. If you're pregnant or planning a pregnancy, talk to a health care provider about Zika before you book.
- Malaria. There's a risk in certain areas of Mexico at certain times of year. If your plans include those areas, your pharmacist will tell you whether you need antimalarial medication.
Our travel health kit checklist covers what to pack.
What to bring to your travel consult
- Your itinerary, with dates, cities and the kind of places you're staying
- Your immunization record, if you have it
- Your Alberta Health Card and your benefits card
- A list of the medications you take
What do travel vaccines cost?
Most travel vaccines aren't covered by Alberta Health Care. Many private health plans cover them, and we can bill most plans directly. The cost depends on which vaccines you need, so call us and we'll go through it with you. The travel consult itself is no charge.
Check the official advice before you go
Travel health advice changes. Before you leave, read the Mexico page on travel.gc.ca, the Government of Canada's travel site. It lists current health risks, entry rules and travel advisories.
Book your Mexico travel consult
Call (780) 443-0202 or walk in to Unit 103, 15508 87 Ave NW in Meadowlark, West Edmonton. We're open Monday 9 to 5, Tuesday to Friday 9 to 6 and Saturday 11 to 5, and closed Sunday. Bring your itinerary and we'll take it from there. Going somewhere else too? See our travel clinic page and our destination by destination guide.