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 5)
Vaccines safe for children by age
| Vaccine | Minimum Age | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | 6 months | Canada's preferred protection for travellers 6 months and older |
| Typhoid injectable | 2 years | Oral Vivotif: 5 years+ |
| Dukoral | 2 years | 3 doses for children 2–6; 2 doses for 6+ |
| Yellow Fever | 9 months | Not given under 6 months; 6–8 months only if travel to a risk area cannot be avoided |
| Rabies pre-exposure | Any age | Strongly recommended for children in endemic areas |
| Malarone (atovaquone-proguanil) | Weight ≥5 kg | Pediatric tablets available; dose by weight |
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 a bite within 3 years of the 2-dose series (or after a booster) requires only 2 booster doses (no immunoglobulin — which is often unavailable in remote areas). Without pre-vaccination, or if the series was 3 or more years ago with no booster, a child needs immunoglobulin PLUS 4–5 vaccine doses — a much more complicated situation in rural settings.
Book your children's travel consultation
Our licensed 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
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