Canada Needs a Modern, Connected Vaccine System—Because Travel Health Starts at Home
Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health is urging a national immunization schedule and interoperable vaccine registry, noting Ontario lags other provinces that have modernized records. A coordinated system helps close coverage gaps, speed outbreak response, and give families easy digital access to their records.
What’s broken today
Each province/territory runs its own schedule and data system. This patchwork leaves parents acting as de facto record-keepers and makes it harder for public health teams to see who’s protected—and who isn’t—during outbreaks like measles, which Canada eliminated in 1998 but is now seeing at its highest case counts since elimination due to importations and local immunity gaps.
The travel link
Travel accelerates spread. When routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, etc.) are delayed or undocumented, travelers can import infections or become exposed abroad. A modern registry + harmonized schedule improves pre-travel verification and follow-up—reducing missed doses and duplicate shots.
DTC’s role
At Destinations Travel and Immunization Clinic we:
- Reconcile and digitize your vaccine history for travel planning.
- Coordinate with your family doctor and public health when records are fragmented.
- Cover destination-specific vaccines often outside standard registries (yellow fever, JE, rabies) and ensure proof is ready for border checks.
Bottom line
A national registry + harmonized schedule strengthens outbreak control and travel safety. Until then, let DTC close the gaps before you go. Ontario
Stay Connected with Destinations Travel and Immunization Clinic!
If you found this article helpful, don’t forget to like, share, and Follow to stay up to date on our latest travel health tips, updates, and wellness advice.
And follow us on social media
Disclaimer: The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied upon for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information does not substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please do not initiate, modify, or discontinue any treatment, medication, or supplement solely based on this information. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider first. Full Disclaimer.
