Health & Immunizations

For over four decades, promoting the health of our participants has been a top priority for Westcoast Connection. We are traveling with multiple layers of safety measures developed with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and other organizations.

We recommend you follow the advice of the CDC and consult with your physician for current immunization and medication recommendations for overseas travel. To learn more about the health conditions of a specific destination, you are encouraged to conduct research through the CDC, World Health Organization (WHO) or call our office to discuss any concerns.

Health Protocols

When traveling with Westcoast Connection, please note the following:

• Health Screening – Upon arrival at the start city, participants will be given a health screening conducted by our staff regarding their general health, and medical history.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – Participants will be asked to wear a mask at any time symptoms warrant including running noses, cough, etc.
• Enhanced Hygiene – In an effort to reduce the possibility of sickness, all participants must be prepared to practice the following as needed and to the extent possible: frequent hand washing and use of hand sanitizer and no sharing of water bottles, personal items, etc.

Routine Vaccinations

Check with your physician that you are up-to-date on routine vaccinations for Covid-19, influenza (flu), chickenpox, polio, MMR (Measles, Mumps & Rubella) and DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis also known as whooping cough). We also suggest you talk to your doctor about the importance of having an up-to-date tetanus shot.

Mosquito Borne Diseases

In some destinations, mosquitoes may transmit viruses and diseases. The best protection against mosquito-transmitted illness is to wear long sleeves, long pants, and to use insect repellent with DEET.

For certain destinations, the CDC recommends anti-malaria medication, Yellow Fever and Japanese Encephalitis immunizations. The CDC site should be consulted for the most up-to-date information and please speak with your physician about any concerns.

High Altitude Destinations

For programs in Ecuador, we travel to high altitudes and recommend those who have previously had difficulty adjusting to high altitude consider this factor in choosing a program. Speak with your physician about altitude sickness prevention medication such as Diamox.

CDC Links
Australia • Canada • Costa Rica • Ecuador & Galapagos • Europe (Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Greece, Iceland, Italy, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom) • Fiji • Japan • New Zealand • South Africa • Thailand • United States • Vietnam