Olympic and Paralympic events are taking place in Paris, France, and Tahiti in July, August and September 2024. Travelling to support Canadian athletes is the experience of a lifetime for many – but do you know what health precautions you should take ahead of your trip to watch Olympic events?
What shots do I need to go to France?
Your regular scheduled vaccines should give you good protection during your trip to France. If you are not up to date with vaccines like tetanus, then catch-up shots can be arranged. Make an appointment as soon as possible at your nearest branch of Canadian Travel Clinics to learn more about how to protect your health on a trip to France.
Should I get vaccinated for a trip to Tahiti?
If you’ve got tickets for the Olympic surfing event in Tahiti, make an appointment with Canadian Travel Clinics to find out if you need to get any shots to visit this island in French Polynesia.
You will need to take precautions against mosquito bites in Tahiti as some diseases like Dengue fever and chikungunya occur there. There are no vaccines for these diseases.
Learn more about visiting French Polynesia on our destinations page.
What precautions should I take at crowded events during the Olympics?
Crowded events carry the risk of exposure to illnesses spread by respiratory droplets such as diphtheria, covid-19, meningococcal meningitis and measles. Make sure your regular shots are up to date before you travel to the Paris Olympics.
Wash your hands whenever you can, and use an alcohol handrub.
How can I stay safe in sun while watching a sporting event?
France does not have a particularly hot climate, but it’s likely that you’ll have some warm weather during the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Tahiti has a tropical climate, so expect hotter conditions than you are used to.
Remember sunscreen, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat for any outdoor events.
Stay hydrated while spectating in hot weather. You can bring a water bottle of no more than 75cl to the venues, and there will be re-fill points.
The official Olympics site has more information about what to expect at the Paris Olympics.
What if I get sick while travelling?
It’s really important to have up to date travel health insurance that provides the right level of coverage. The health facilities in both France and Tahiti are good – but you may have to pay for care if you are not insured. Your provincial or territorial health plans will not cover you while abroad.
Getting an appointment for last-minute travel shots
We would like to see you six to eight weeks before your departure, but if you are travelling last minute, we can still help with travel shots to keep you safe on your trip to see the Olympics. And we can give advice on sun safety and mosquito bite avoidance, too.
Visit our clinics page to find your closest travel vaccination centre.