Vaccine for Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, loss of appetite, joint pain, abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, fever, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).

The virus is transmitted through exposure to infected blood and body fluids, including semen and vaginal fluids. Common risk factors include new sexual partners, IV drug use, and medical or dental tourism. Chronic hepatitis B infection can result in serious health issues like cirrhosis (liver scarring) and liver cancer.  

Vaccination against hepatitis B is often recommended before travel to regions where the virus is prevalent, such as parts of Southern and Eastern Europe, South America, Central America, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The hepatitis B vaccine is administered as a series of three shots, typically given at 0, 1, and 6 months, or as an accelerated regimen of three doses over 21 days, followed by a booster after 1 year, for those with limited time before travel. 

All BC residents born on or after 1980 were eligible to receive the hepatitis B vaccination as part of their infant or school-age immunizations.  You should bring a record of your childhood immunizations to your travel consultation for the travel pharmacist to review. 

It is advisable to schedule your appointment at least one month before departure to ensure adequate time to complete a primary series.  Additionally, avoiding sharing personal items like razors and toothbrushes, and ensuring that any medical or cosmetic procedures are performed with sterile equipment can further reduce the risk of contracting hepatitis B.