Why costs can vary substantially among clinics
Travel medicine clinics derive their income from the consultation fee and the vaccines administered. The more vaccines given, the greater the profit.
Travellers should feel confident that only the vaccines they need are being recommended to them.
The Committee to Advise on Tropical Medicine and Travel (CATMAT) is an expert advisory panel of the Public Health Agency of Canada. CATMAT produces statements including vaccine recommendations for travel clinics. One of our current staff and two retired staff member have served on that committee. We are therefore very aware of best travel medicine practice.
An example
You are planning a 5 week trip to Thailand and Laos - half urban, half rural and beach. Which vaccines do you need?
Clinic X may recommend...
Hepatitis A ($68)
Hepatitis B (3 x $45)
Typhoid fever ($45)
Cholera ($100 for 2 doses)
Japanese encephalitis (2 x $220)
Rabies (3 x $210)
Influenza, measles-mumps-rubella, tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (all free)
Consultation fee ($85)
Total cost = $1503
Clinic Y may recommend...
Hepatitis A ($68)
Hepatitis B (3 x $45)
Rabies vaccine is recommended but if unaffordable, this clinic will tell you where in Thailand you can receive proper treatment if you are bitten by an animal.
Influenza, measles-mumps-rubella, tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (all free)
Consultation fee $85
Total cost = $288
All prices shown were ours when we administered vaccines (2020).
Why the dramatic difference?
Both clinics can make a case for their approach. However, observing CATMAT guidelines results in fewer vaccines recommended and lower cost. During your appointment we discuss those vaccines we are suggesting as well as those we think you don't need.
Why costs can vary substantially among clinics
Travel medicine clinics derive their income from the consultation fee and the vaccines administered. The more vaccines given, the greater the profit.
Travellers should feel confident that only the vaccines they need are being recommended to them.
The Committee to Advise on Tropical Medicine and Travel (CATMAT) is an expert advisory panel of the Public Health Agency of Canada. CATMAT produces statements including vaccine recommendations for travel clinics. One of our current staff and two retired staff member have served on that committee. We are therefore very aware of best travel medicine practice.
An example
You are planning a 5 week trip to Thailand and Laos - half urban, half rural and beach. Which vaccines do you need?
Clinic X may recommend...
Hepatitis A ($68)
Hepatitis B (3 x $45)
Typhoid fever ($45)
Cholera ($100 for 2 doses)
Japanese encephalitis (2 x $220)
Rabies (3 x $210)
Influenza, measles-mumps-rubella, tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (all free)
Consultation fee ($85)
Total cost = $1503
Clinic Y may recommend...
Hepatitis A ($68)
Hepatitis B (3 x $45)
Rabies vaccine is recommended but if unaffordable, this clinic will tell you where in Thailand you can receive proper treatment if you are bitten by an animal.
Influenza, measles-mumps-rubella, tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (all free)
Consultation fee $85
Total cost = $288
All prices shown were ours when we administered vaccines (2020).
Why the dramatic difference?
Both clinics can make a case for their approach. However, observing CATMAT guidelines results in fewer vaccines recommended and lower cost. During your appointment we discuss those vaccines we are suggesting as well as those we think you don't need.