Travel Clinic – Vancouver Coastal Health

Dr. was cold, and her information came from her highlighted pre-​printed papers. She did not give me a sense of confidence in what she was trying to inform me on my travel destination.
Overall this felt like a money grab (overheard them recommending their expired handsantizer and hand washes to people traveling to mexico for a week at a resort vs. what was available at any other retail store). The nurse was more concerned about our payment vs. our comfort as they did not listen to my partner say his dominate arm was his left as she almost gave him a booster that would cause discomfort.
I would recommend seeking out other travel clinics vs. this one.

My mom and I came here to get shots for a trip to India. They were very informative with us as to what were needed and what wasn’t. My mom has some pre-​existing conditions, therefore, they were very detailed with her as to her risks, the benefits of prevention. Personally I hate needles, however, the nurse was great in helping with us. Sadly my mom is somewhat used to them where as with me. I am not. I also came here to get a shot before a trip to Spain. I didn’t need it, however, I have a pre-​existing condition, therefore, this shot was elective and suggested by my family doctor.

Ultimate professionals: prefer to do the vaccinations ideally 4 – 6 weeks before your destination, so it’s good to know. Get a prescription from my doctor, and depending on what benefits plan you’re on, it’s all good on my end ;)
It’s in the gawdy looking Broadway Plaza, with the 1970s steps; best to enter from W. 9^th Ave, on the other side (north) of Broadway as it’s just up the steps.
Clean and carpeted so doesn’t feel like a clinic.
You’ll need to book an appointment and you can leave your AMEX at home.
They also sell travelling medication like diarrhea tablets, etc. Sorry to mention this if you’re eating your lunch now.

A little known gem in Vancouver health care! Before I go on any trip outside Canada I visit the clinic. I almost always get Dukoral going to places like Mexico — it’s like taking out insurance so that I won’t get sick on my trips. A worthwhile investment.
They provide the right vaccines you need depending on where you are traveling. They also have travel products such as compression socks, mosquito nets, water bottle filters and bed bug spray.

Meet with a doctor to find out exactly what you may need for your worldly travels! This is most likely to include Shots, but these are not in the kind you get in the club, but the ones in which a nurse stabs in your arm. Ouch.
I really appreciate the doctor consult as she’s really well versed in the different cities/​areas no matter what country I throw at her. She gives you the straight goods on whether you really need the shot or not, doesn’t oversell and leaves the decisions to you at the end of the day if you want it or not.
The nurses are also very nice and if you’ve been a good boy or girl you can get a sucker. Feel a bit woozy and they’ll provide a snack sized orange box drink.
I would give this place a 5 stars if only they could find a way to vaccinate without needles or pain.

Overall this place is a waste of time. The «doctor» gave out very generic travel advice and she had a very condescending attitude, and what was most disconcerting was, information she gave me was contrary to what I later researched from multiple sources, namely the manufacturer of the vaccines.
What also bothered me was that I came 5 minutes before my appointment time but they kept me waiting close to 20 minutes after my appointed time (on both occasions).

The travel assessment was not worth $ 45. I filled out a questionnaire and the man gave me a pamphlet and explained the kind of shots that he thinks I should get. I was hoping for something more advice other than vaccinations and when I asked some questions such as what to look out for when I’m overseas, every answer was «I don’t know.» I guess I had an expectation that the experience would be like visiting a doctor.
Otherwise the front desk staff and the ladies handling the vaccinations were very nice.

In an out fairly quickly. There’s extra shots available you can get for free, but I didn’t have time to get all the applications. They will advise you on the correct shots needed depending on the areas you are going to (for an extra charge).

I got that disgusting flow like Third World country tap water.
I usually grab my travel shots/​vaccinations from my family doctor, but got introducted to Travel Clinic last year because my doctor felt it was best I consult with a specialist on my travel plans. I wasn’t exactly travelling up the Mekong hunting for Colonel Kurtz, but I wasn’t staying in Hanoi Metropole or the Nam Hai either. Basically wanted to increase my odds of staying healthy as my main reason to travel through SE Asia was to gorge on street food.
Went back to the Travel Clinic recently to get my booster shot (LifetimeImmunzationFTW — WOOT!) and got the usual great customer service. Booked a same day appointment and I was in, injected, paid and out the door in 10 minutes. I’ve waited longer for a cup of coffee. They are open until 8PM on most nights and they give you a little booklet to help you keep track of your injections as well. Surprisingly, the cashier remembered my face from last year. I guess I’m like Charlie Sheen: I may not remember you tomorrow, but you’ll remember me for the rest of your life. WINNING!
I didn’t opt for the doctor consultation (I just did my own internet research) but I must say it was a bit odd to see the doctor interview clients in the reception area. I was feigning interest in the Good Housekeeping articles, but I was just being a nosy, eavesdropping bitch. The dude talking to the doc about his upcoming trip to the Amazon was worried about traveller’s diarrhea — I struggled over whether or not I should inject myself into the session and lecture him about the bot fly or the Brazilian wandering spider. [Do not Google these if you plan to sleep tonight].
Eh — maybe I’m just paranoid, but I think every conversation with a doctor is private and privileged communication. I hope they offer private rooms.
Am I a monster if I got a consultation and started loudly asking how to best prepare myself for a trip to the Congo to kill silverback gorillas to make fashionable hats and hunting for endangered tiger’s blood? Or would the reactions be worth it for the hilarity?
P. S. — Kudos to you to if caught the first Sheen reference… I’m talking Martin, not Charlie.