Hepatitis B is transmitted through contaminated blood and bodily fluids. In other words, it’s passed through blood transfusions, medical procedures and unprotected sex.
Even piercings, tattoos, pedicures or acupuncture can pose a risk to travellers. Safe sex through the use of condoms and avoiding the procedures mentioned above (and any procedure that may include an exchange of bodily fluids) are the primary preventive measures when combined with vaccination.
All travellers who have never had Hepatitis B vaccine or those who had not completed all the 3 Hepatitis B shots should get vaccinated. See our While You’re There section for more details.
Your travel doctor will give you hepatitis B vaccine as part of your travel immunization.
Hepatitis B is a serious disease as it can change to liver cirrhosis and/or liver cancer.
Please Note:
- The information in this page is for educational purposes only. It is not to substitute for a formal travel consult with your travel doctor.
- If you have health insurance offered to you through work or school you may be covered for vaccines. At time of payment, we will provide you with an invoice (with the unique DIN for each vaccine) so you can claim your expenses back from your insurance company.this vaccine is not covered by OHIP for travel purposes.
- Always seek immediate medical advice if you get sick abroad or after you return.
- ask your travel doctor about personal protective measures against Hepatitis B.those should be always implemented regardless of vaccination status.