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Hepatitis A and B Risks for Travellers4

Popular holiday destinations such as the Caribbean have been identified as hepatitis A and B risk areas for unprotected travellers 9, 10

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According to the Canadian Immunization Guide, people who travel outside of Canada are at increased risk for hepatitis A and B infections. 4, 8

Global Distribution – Hepatitis A

Countries or areas with moderate to high risk for hepatitis A 9

This map shows the countries across the world with areas of moderate to high risk for hepatitis A. For a detailed description of the map, please call GSK customer service at 1-800-387-7374.

Adapted from Hepatitis A, countries at risk map, World Health Organization, 2012

Travel Risks – Hepatitis A

Travellers may contract hepatitis A via: 4, 11, 12

  • Food or drinks handled by an infected restaurant worker
  • Raw or undercooked seafood/shellfish from contaminated water
  • Sexual contact with an infected person
  • Salads and produce rinsed in contaminated water
  • Ice made from contaminated water
  • Ingesting contaminated water while bathing, showering, brushing teeth, or swimming

Hepatitis A virus can survive up to 10 months in water and on dried surfaces for 7 days. 1

Global Distribution – Hepatitis B

Countries or areas with moderate to high risk for hepatitis B 10

This map shows the countries across the world with areas of moderate to high risk for hepatitis B. For a detailed description of the map, please call GSK customer service at 1-800-387-7374.

Adapted from Hepatitis B countries at risk map, World Health Organization, 2012

Travel Risks – Hepatitis B

Travellers may contract hepatitis B via: 7, 8

  • Unprotected sex with an infected partner
  • Use of contaminated tools during medical and dental care
  • Tattooing, body piercing with contaminated tools
  • Manicures using contaminated sharp instruments
  • Unexpected medical procedures or accidents requiring first aid
  • Injection drug use
  • Sharing razors, toothbrushes with an infected person

Hepatitis B can survive on surfaces for at least 7 days and still be capable of causing infection. 1

Hepatitis B is a risk for Canadian travellers

  • Of Canadians presenting with viral hepatitis after travel, 15% are infected with hepatitis B 8

Hepatitis A and B are two of the most common vaccine-preventable diseases in travellers 4, 8

TWINRIX combined hepatitis A (inactivated) and hepatitis B (recombinant) vaccine is indicated for active immunization against hepatitis A and hepatitis B virus infection in adults, adolescents, children and infants. 1

TWINRIX will not protect against infection caused by other agents such as hepatitis C, hepatitis E and other pathogens known to infect the liver. It can be expected that hepatitis D will also be prevented by immunization with TWINRIX as hepatitis D (caused by the delta agent) does not occur in the absence of hepatitis B infection. 1

References:

1. TWINRIX Product Monograph. November 30, 2018.

4. Public Health Agency of Canada. Canadian Immunization Guide - Part 4. 2018. (CIG) Available at https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/canadian-immunization-guide.html.

7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hepatitis B FAQ for Health Professionals. Available at https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hbv/hbvfaq.htm#treatment

8. Public Health Agency of Canada. Canada Communicable Disease Report, Statement on Hepatitis Vaccines for Travellers. July 2008, Vol.34, ACS-2. (CATMAT) Available at www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/publicat/ccdr-rmtc/08vol34/acs-2/index-eng.php

9. World Health Organization. Hepatitis A, countries or areas at risk. http://gamapserver.who.int/mapLibrary/Files/Maps/Global_Hepa_ITHRiskMap.png

10. World Health Organization. Hepatitis B, countries or areas at risk. Available at http://gamapserver.who.int/mapLibrary/Files/Maps/Global_Hepb_ITHRiskMap.png

11. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hepatitis A Questions and Answers for Health Professionals. Available at https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hbv/hbvfaq.htm#overview

12. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Yellow Book 2016. Available at http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2016/infectious-diseases-related-to-travel/hepatitis-a

This page is for Healthcare Professionals only. If you are not a Healthcare Professional, please visit Twinrix.ca.

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