Think you’re a savvy traveller?
Test your travel smarts and learn a few facts about safe food and drink consumption in hepatitis A and typhoid fever risk areas.
Don’t spoil your trip! If you’re visiting a hepatitis A or typhoid fever risk area, help protect your health by making smart choices before and during your trip. Both diseases are spread through contaminated food and drink – for instance, if you consume something that has been prepared by an infected person. Remember that good hygiene and sanitation are also important!
Ask your doctor about ViVAXIM® at least two weeks before travel.
Pack an alcohol-based hand sanitizer – this can come in handy when soap and water are not available.
Wash your hands with soap before every meal.
Avoid raw and unpasteurized food, including salads and unpeeled fruit. Eat only foods that have been thoroughly cooked or come in sealed packages, and fruits you’ve peeled yourself.
Avoid drinking tap water or drinks made with ice, including fountain drinks. Choose drinks that are bottled, carbonated or served boiling hot.
Eat food from street vendors with caution – if you choose to do so, make sure the food is served very hot (e.g. right off the grill).
Use bottled or boiled water when brushing your teeth. Avoid swallowing water when showering or swimming.
Some travellers may have already received vaccinations for certain diseases such as hepatitis B as part of public immunization programs* – but hepatitis A and typhoid fever are not currently included in Canadian vaccination schedules.†
* Vaccination against hepatitis B has been part of publicly funded school-based programs beginning in 1987.
† Except in Quebec, where hepatitis A vaccine has been offered in grade 4 since 2013, and at 18 months of age since 2019.
As with many travel vaccines, ViVAXIM® should be administered at least two weeks before your trip. It’s best to prepare early and discuss immunization options with your healthcare provider a few weeks before your departure.
