What Are Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis A and hepatitis B are viral infections that affect the liver. Although they are caused by different viruses and spread in different ways, both can lead to serious illness and are preventable through vaccination. A combination vaccine is available that protects against both infections for eligible travellers.
Why Hepatitis A and B Prevention Matters
Hepatitis A and hepatitis B remain common in many parts of the world, including regions of Africa, Asia, Central and South America, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. The risk varies depending on your destination and planned activities, and many travellers may benefit from protection against both infections before they leave Canada.
Hepatitis A is most commonly spread through contaminated food or water, or by close contact with an infected person. Hepatitis B is spread through contact with infected blood or certain body fluids, including through unprotected sexual contact, medical or dental procedures performed with inadequately sterilized equipment, tattooing or piercing, and sharing needles or personal items such as razors or toothbrushes. Unexpected situations can arise during travel, making vaccination an important part of pre-travel planning.
Hepatitis A typically causes an acute illness that can last for several weeks or even months, disrupting both your trip and your recovery after you return home. Most people recover completely, although severe complications can occasionally occur, particularly in older adults and those with existing liver disease. In contrast, hepatitis B can become a chronic infection that increases the risk of long-term liver damage, including cirrhosis (permanent scarring of the liver) and liver cancer.
Many Canadians have already received hepatitis B vaccination as part of routine childhood immunization programs, while others may have been vaccinated because of their occupation or other risk factors. However, not everyone is protected, and some travellers may not know their vaccination history. Reviewing your immunization record before you travel can help determine whether additional vaccination is recommended.
For travellers who are not already immune to both infections, the combined hepatitis A+B vaccine offers convenient protection against two important vaccine-preventable diseases. Recommendations depend on your destination, planned activities, length of stay, medical history, and previous vaccinations. A personalized travel health assessment helps ensure you receive the protection that is appropriate for your trip.
How Our Pharmacists Can Help
Our pharmacist can assess your individual risk of hepatitis A and hepatitis B by reviewing your destination, itinerary, medical history, and vaccination history. We can then provide access to combination hepatitis A+B vaccination when appropriate and answer your questions about protecting yourself before and during your travels.
You do not need a referral or separate doctor’s appointment before seeing us. We’ll review your travel plans, answer your questions, and help coordinate any additional care or referral that may be needed before your trip.
Book Your Travel Consultation Today
If you are travelling to a destination where hepatitis A or hepatitis B may be a concern, planning ahead can help ensure you’re protected before you leave.
Contact Wellness Point Pharmacy to book your travel health appointment online or by phone, or visit us in person to arrange an appointment with one of our pharmacists. Our pharmacist will work with you to determine whether protection against hepatitis A and hepatitis B is recommended for your trip and help you to prepare before you travel.
