Travel Vaccines for Children in Canada — Age-by-Age Guide for Parents

Children and travel vaccines — key differences from adults

Children are not small adults when it comes to travel health. Several important differences apply:

• Malaria medications must be dosed by weight — bring your child's weight to the consultation
• Some vaccines have minimum age restrictions
• Children are at higher risk of rabies (more likely to approach animals; less likely to report bites)
• Children in specific age groups may need different vaccine options (e.g., injectable typhoid rather than oral Vivotif for under 6)

Vaccines safe for children by age

Why rabies pre-exposure is especially important for children

Children are at significantly higher risk of rabies exposure than adults. They are more likely to approach stray animals, feed animals, and not report a bite or scratch. In India, Southeast Asia, and Africa, stray dogs are common — and children's natural curiosity puts them at risk.

Pre-vaccination means any bite requires only 2 booster doses (no immunoglobulin — which is often unavailable in remote areas). Without pre-vaccination, a child needs immunoglobulin PLUS 4–5 vaccine doses — a much more complicated situation in rural settings.

Book your children's travel consultation

Our ISTM CTH® physicians are experienced in pediatric travel medicine. Bring your child's weight and immunization records to the consultation. We serve families from Mississauga, Brampton, Markham, Ottawa, and all of Ontario.

Sources: PHAC — Children and Travel | CDC — Travelling with Children