North America Health Advice

Stay informed and be prepared for your stay in North America

Fly safely to North America

Are you going on a trip to North America from Lyon?
Discover all our recommendations to anticipate your travel!

At 24 million km², North America is the third largest continent in the world. Healthcare conditions and quality of care are fairly similar to Europe for Canada, the US and Greenland.
More precautions should be taken in Mexico.

Which vaccines do you need to visit North America?

No vaccines are required for travelling to North America. However, the usual basic vaccination schedule is recommended :

Diphtheria, tetanus and poliomyelitis (DTP)
Pertussis.
Invasive Haemophilus influenzae type B infections
Invasive pneumococcal disease.
Meningococcal serogroup C.
Measles, mumps and rubella

As hepatitis A is rare in North America, vaccination is only encouraged for Hawaii and recommended for Mexico and Saint Pierre and Miquelon.

Hepatitis B and typhoid fever vaccination should be given for extended stays in Hawaii, Saint Pierre and Miquelon and Mexico.

Rabies vaccination is recommended for travel to areas with a large bat population.

To learn more about vaccinations, we invite you to learn more on the french administration website by clicking on the link below.

Vaccinations for travel

Preventing infectious and parasitic diseases
in North America

Risks linked to infectious diseases in North America (Canada and the US) are low.

In certain areas of Mexico, water and food may carry diseases (cholera, typhoid fever and hepatitis A). You should therefore only drink from sealed bottles and eat peeled or well-cooked food.

Mosquitoes, which carry diseases, are very prevalent in North America, especially in wetland areas. Preventive measures must be taken:

Wear full-length clothing,
Use suitable mosquito repellents,
Sleep under a mosquito net in tropical destinations.

You do not need to worry about malaria prevention, as the disease is not present in this part of the world.

Ticks, which are found in the US and Canada in particular, can spread various infections such as Lyme disease. A careful inspection of the body is recommended after any hiking.

Lastly, be aware that the countryside, which is very vast in all North American countries, is host to a wide range of fauna. We highly recommend you avoid all contact with animals.