Twinrix Hepatitis A & B Vaccination

What are Hepatitis A & B?

Hepatitis A and B are viral infections that affect the liver. They are preventable through vaccination, but each virus spreads differently:

• Hepatitis A spreads through contaminated food or water, or close contact with an infected person.
• Hepatitis B spreads through blood, sexual contact, or from mother to baby at birth.

Both can cause liver inflammation, fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), and in rare cases, serious liver complications.

The best way to protect yourself is with the Twinrix vaccine. Protect your health and avoid serious illness by getting your Hepatitis A and B vaccination at Destinations Travel and Immunization Clinic in Orléans, Ottawa.

The Government of Canada’s Hepatitis A & B Pages

What if I Already Have Some Protection?

In Ontario:

• Many children and adolescents are already vaccinated against Hepatitis B through the school immunization program.
• Hepatitis A vaccination may also have been given for school or travel purposes.

Because of this, some travellers may already have protection against one or both viruses. A healthcare provider can review your vaccination history to see if you need the combined Hepatitis A/B vaccine (Twinrix®) or just a single vaccine, granting equal protection for a lower cost.

Is Hepatitis A & B Vaccination Required?

Hepatitis A vaccination is not usually required for entry into most countries, but it is strongly recommended for travellers to regions where Hepatitis A is common, including parts of Africa, Asia, Central and South America, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for travellers who may be exposed to blood or bodily fluids, or for longer stays in regions with high Hep B prevalence.

Vaccination decisions should be made based on your travel itinerary, length of stay, and personal risk factors.

How Can I Protect Myself Against Hepatitis A & B?

The Twinrix vaccine provides protection against both Hepatitis A and B in a multi-dose series.

Other protective measures include:

• Following safe food and water practices (for Hep A)
• Using barrier protection during sexual activity (for Hep B)
• Avoiding sharing needles or personal items that may have blood (for Hep B)

A travel clinic consultation will help determine if you need:

Individual Hep A or B vaccines if you already have immunity to the other.

The combined Hep A/B vaccine (Twinrix)

Can Hepatitis A Result in Serious Illness?

Yes. Both viruses can cause serious liver disease:

• Hepatitis A can lead to weeks to months of illness, with fatigue and jaundice, affecting travel and daily activities. Severe cases are more likely in older adults.
• Hepatitis B can cause chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, or liver cancer if infection persists.

Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent infection and serious complications.