Travel Clinic

The Provincial Medical Centre Travel Clinic

The Provincial Medical Centre Travel Clinic has been in operation since 1998. Dr. Zoia Sherman has special designation as a travel doctor, which allows her to perform specialized assessments and provide advice and treatments based on your specific destination.

It is important to seek expert advice regarding specific health risks and ways to prevent illness if you are traveling to a foreign country. There are some illness transmitted in other areas of the world that we in Canada are not well-protected from. There are ways to prevent many of these conditions, and we are here to review these options with you!

If you are traveling as a family, it is best that the whole family receives a travel assessment. As there are often multiple visits required, it is best to attend the Travel Clinic at least 2 weeks prior to your departure. In some instances, last-minute visits may be accommodated.

  • The Provincial Medical Centre Travel Clinic is an extended service, not covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). An initial fee of $125.00 plus the cost of vaccinations* will be charged for those seeking travel advice and services.
  • For children 12 and under traveling with parents, the cost of attending the travel clinic is $50.00
  • These fees include the initial assessment and any necessary follow-up visits and lab testing

*Some vaccinations may be covered by OHIP or private insurance plans

Who Will Benefit?

Generally, travel to Europe is considered safe. The Travel Clinic at the Provincial Medical Centre was created to enable clients to minimize their risk of contracting common and uncommon diseases while traveling other locales including:

  • Regions of Central and South America
  • Areas throughout Northern and Southern Africa
  • Various Asian countries
  • …and more!

There are some illnesses that are preventable with vaccination or chemoprophylaxis. Chemoprophylaxis means taking medications prior to departure and during travel to lower the risk of infection.

What Will We Do For You?

All consultations will be performed under the supervision of Dr. Sherman. Her goal is to assess your health and any health risks you may have. This is done in several ways:

  • Reviewing your initial visit questionnaire which includes your medical history
  • Reviewing your personal immunization history
  • Performing an assessment of the destination you are planning, based on current data about that country or region
  • Ordering any laboratory testing required based on your destination
  • Administering any vaccines you may require**
  • Providing pre-travel counseling, which may include: food and water precautions, prevention of malaria, information regarding specific disease outbreaks, and information about vaccines and chemoprophylaxis
  • Follow-up visits as needed upon return from your travels

**We do have an on-site pharmacy, allowing you to begin any vaccinations immediately following your first consultation.

PLEASE NOTE: The Yellow Fever vaccination is unavailable at our site. If it is determined that you need this particular vaccine, you can contact the TMC at 519-979-5260 or http://www.tmmc-clinic.com

What Should I Bring to my Appointment?

  • Your OHIP card (Health Card)
  • Your immunization record, if available. If you do not have a copy of your immunization record and you were born in the Windsor area, you may be able to attain it before your appointment from the Public Health Unit at (519) 258-2146
  • A list of your medical history and any allergies you may have
  • A list of any medications you are currently taking

What Sort of Factors Should I Consider When Planning a Trip?

There are many things to consider to determine your health risk while traveling. To ensure you have a safe and enjoyable time away, some of the factors we will review with you will include:

  • Destination of travel
  • Duration of stay
  • Season of travel
  • Quality of accommodations
  • Urban or rural setting
  • Anticipated activities
  • Current or past health status

What Are The Types of Immunizations?

  1. Routine: these are your regular childhood or adult immunizations and include: measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, and polio. While many of these illness are very unlikely to occur here in Canada, they may be more prevalent in other countries and it is best to ensure you have taken measures to prevent the serious effects these illnesses may have.
  2. Required: Some countries require certain vaccinations to cross international borders. One such example may be the yellow fever vaccine.
  3. Recommended: Some countries carry higher risks of acquiring certain diseases. Commonly recommended vaccines include Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and cholera. Some countries may recommend additional vaccinations or medications to prevent you from acquiring diseases such as malaria.

Important Travel Tips – No Matter What Your Destination!

  • Follow the principles of safe food selection: Boil it, peel it, cook it, or forget it!
  • Bottled water is preferable
  • Be wary of animals (don’t pet or play with the critters!!)
  • Plan ahead
  • Make new friends but be wary of any hazards
  • Take steps to minimize the effects of Jet Lag
  • Keep moving – to prevent development of clots in your legs, called a DVT (deep vein thrombosis) – walk often. If you’re in a plane, get up and walk at least every hour. If you’re in the car, get out and walk often and keep your feet and legs moving in the vehicle.
  • Ensure you are properly protecting your skin from the sun
  • Be cautious and aware of public transportation
  • Never leave your belongings unattended
  • Seek protection from insects and malaria
  • Make sure to pack a travel medical kit
  • Most importantly… HAVE FUN!!