Hepatitis B

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Available Immunizations

Hepatitis B Vaccines are about 95% effective, and provide long-term protection against HBV infection after a series of three injections. A combination hepatitis A/hepatitis B vaccine is available under the name Twinrix.

In Canada, hepatitis B is now given as three injections in the first year of life. Previously it was given in grade 6.

Schedule Ideally, hepatitis B vaccination should begin at least 6 months before travel to allow for completion of the series.

Standard 3-dose vaccine series (Day 0 - 30 - 6 months). However, if there is not enough time for this schedule, the schedule can be accelerated for hepatitis B vaccine and the combined hepatitis A and B vaccine.

Accelerated schedule:
This consists of 4 doses: Day 0 - Day 7 or 14 - Day 21 to 12months. This schedule can be used for both pediatric and adult travelers who are departing imminently.

Twinrix consists of 4 doses. The second dose is given 7 days after the first dose, and the third dose is given 21 days after the first dose (14 days after the second dose); a fourth dose is given 12 months after the first dose.

What is it?

  • Hepatitis B is one of several viruses which may cause hepatitis (liver disease), and may result in a particularly severe form of hepatitis that leads to liver cancer or death.
  • Hepatitis B is spread in the same way as AIDS:
  • intimate or sexual contact with an infected person
  • accidental exposure to traces of blood or blood-contaminated fluids (surgical, medical, dental procedures)
  • sharing of unsterilized syringes/needles (including tattooing, body piercing, acupuncture or cuts with razors and similar objects contaminated by blood)

    • Where is it?

    Where Hep B can be found
    Hepatitis B is widespread in many developing countries, especially in Africa, southeast Asia, the Middle East (except Israel), south and western Pacific Islands, the interior Amazon Basin and certain parts of the Caribbean.

    Prevention Tips

  • Avoid casual sexual contacts.
  • Use latex condoms correctly with a vaginal spermicidal jelly for every sexual contact.
  • Never use needles and syringes used by other people.
  • Never use another person's razor, shaver or toothbrush.
  • Don't get tattoos or have any part of your body pierced.

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