Planning an international trip? Along with your itinerary and packing list, it’s important to think about your health before you go.

Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B are two of the most commonly discussed travel-related illnesses and both are preventable with vaccination.

The good news? With a bit of preparation, including reviewing your hepatitis travel vaccines, you can significantly reduce your risk and travel with confidence.

Here’s what Canadian travellers should know.

What Are Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis A and B are viral infections that affect the liver, but they are spread in different ways.

Hepatitis A is typically spread through contaminated food or water.

Hepatitis B spreads through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids.

Both can occur in many parts of the world, including popular travel destinations.

While the risk level varies depending on where you’re travelling, these are among the most commonly recommended travel vaccines.

Do You Need Hepatitis Travel Vaccines?

One of the most common questions travellers ask is whether hepatitis vaccines are necessary.

For many destinations, hepatitis travel vaccines are recommended as part of routine travel health preparation.

This is especially true if you:

• Are travelling internationally
• Plan to eat local food or street food
• Will be staying for an extended period
• May require medical care abroad

Even short trips can carry some level of risk, which is why these vaccines are often discussed.

Hepatitis A Vaccine Travel Recommendations

The hepatitis A vaccine travel recommendation is one of the most consistent worldwide.

Hepatitis A spreads easily through:

• Food preparation
• Contaminated water or ice
• Unwashed hands

This means exposure can happen in a variety of settings, from street food to restaurants, even in well-developed areas.

For this reason, Hepatitis A is commonly recommended for travellers visiting:

• Central and South America
• Africa
• Asia
• Parts of Eastern Europe

Vaccination helps protect against this risk and is often a key part of travel health planning.

Hepatitis B Vaccine for Travel

Hepatitis B is less commonly spread through casual travel but is still an important consideration.

It spreads through:

• Blood contact
• Medical procedures
• Unprotected sexual contact

Vaccination may be recommended depending on:

• Length of stay
• Type of travel
• Potential exposure risks

Many Canadians may already be vaccinated, but confirming your status before travel is still recommended.

Combined Hepatitis A & B Vaccine

For convenience, a combined vaccine (often known as Twinrix) protects against both Hepatitis A and B.

This option is often recommended for travellers who:

• Need protection against both viruses
• Prefer fewer separate vaccinations
• Are planning multiple or longer trips

The vaccine is typically given as a series of doses over time.

How Effective Are Hepatitis Travel Vaccines?

Hepatitis travel vaccines are considered highly effective.

For most travellers:

Hepatitis A vaccine provides strong protection after the first dose
Hepatitis B requires multiple doses for full protection

Long-term protection is common, making these vaccines a valuable part of travel preparation.

Hepatitis Vaccine Cost Canada

When considering hepatitis travel vaccines, cost is often part of the planning process.

In Canada, typical price ranges are:

Hepatitis A: approximately $60 – $120 per dose
Hepatitis B: approximately $40 – $80 per dose
Combined Hepatitis A & B: approximately $90 – $120 per dose

Because some vaccines require multiple doses, total cost can vary.

Are Hepatitis Travel Vaccines Covered in Canada?

In most cases, travel vaccines are not covered by provincial healthcare plans.

This means travellers typically pay out of pocket for:

• Vaccines
• Consultation fees
• Prescription services (if required)

Some individuals may already have coverage for Hepatitis B through routine immunization programs, so it’s helpful to check your vaccination history.

Food and Water Safety Still Matters

Even with the hepatitis A vaccine travel protection, practicing safe habits while travelling is still important.

Helpful tips include:

• Washing or sanitizing hands regularly
• Choosing busy restaurants with good reviews
• Avoiding undercooked foods
• Drinking bottled or treated water when recommended

These small precautions can help reduce your overall risk.

Travel Prepared and Travel Confidently

Travelling internationally opens the door to incredible experiences. New cultures, food, and destinations.

With a bit of preparation, including reviewing your hepatitis travel vaccines, you can explore confidently and focus on enjoying your trip.

Understanding your risks and taking simple steps to protect your health can make a big difference.

Plan Your Travel Health Before You Go

Virtual Travel Clinic allows travellers across Canada to connect with a travel health professional online before their trip.

During your consultation:

• Your destination and itinerary are reviewed
• Your vaccination history is assessed
• Personalized recommendations are provided

If hepatitis travel vaccines or other medications are recommended, prescriptions can be arranged so they can be picked up at your local pharmacy before departure.

Booking ahead helps ensure you’re fully prepared before your trip.

Book now your consultation today!

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