Hepatitis B Vaccination
North Vancouver Travel Clinic

 

Percutaneous, Mucosal, Sexual
Person-to-person through close contact with someone infected with Hepatitis B, or their possessions, as well as intravenous drug use.

 

 

An estimated 240 million people globally are chronically infected.

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Symptoms 

Jaundice, dark urine, extreme fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

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Severe case 

Acute liver failure (which can result in death), cirrhosis of the liver, liver cancer.

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Prevention

Precautions against Hepatitis B, including safe injection techniques, safe sex practices, and vaccination, should be considered.

 

 - Practice safe injection and avoid needle-stick ‘risk’ situation, such as getting tattoos or body piercings
 - Practice safer sex (including using condoms and minimizing the number of partners)
 - Avoid sharing personal items that could be infected with blood, such as toothbrushes and razors

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Vaccine

The Hepatitis B vaccine (Engerix-B and Recomviax-B) is recommended for all travelers who may be at risk for contracting the virus due to the prevalence of the disease in the area of travel. The Hepatitis-B vaccine is administered in a series of three shots at 0, 1, and 6 months or as an accelerated regimen on days 0, 7, and 21 days and a one-year booster for last-minute travelers. 

In B.C., the vaccine is provided to children as part of their routine immunization schedule. The vaccine is also provided for free to B.C. residents with certain medical conditions or professions which may put them at increased risk. Please contact our clinic and we will be able to inform you about your eligibility and provide you with the vaccine if needed.

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