Canadian travellers skipping travel vaccines, Rexall data shows

Rexall Pharmacy Group Ltd. is offering pre-travel consultations by phone or at select locations to help travellers identify recommended vaccines and preventive medications based on destination, itinerary and health history.

The move comes as destinations including Portugal's Azores, South Korea, Mexico and Morocco see increased travel interest for 2026. 

Recent data shows four in five Canadian travellers did not receive a vaccine for travel purposes before their most recent trip.

"People often plan their flights, hotels and outfits months in advance but forget about essentials like travel vaccines, prescriptions and over the counter medications they can take so they don't get sick while travelling," said Jeff Boutilier, senior vice-president, store operations and pharmacy at Rexall. 

"A travel consultation allows us to provide tailored services for each destination, and a simple 30-minute conversation can mean the difference between a dream trip, and one disrupted by unexpected health issues abroad."

Rexall pharmacists collaborate with physicians to arrange prescriptions when needed. 

Travellers can book in-person appointments at select stores or phone consultations with virtual Rexall pharmacists. 

Same-day appointments are available in-store, while phone consultations have a two- to three-day booking window.

Rexall recommends booking at least two months before departure, particularly for trips requiring multi-dose vaccines or specialized medications.

Consultations can be booked at rexall.ca/travel or through the BeWell app.

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