Essential Information on Hepatitis A and B

Travelers Urged to Check Hepatitis Vaccination Status Before Journey

The German Liver Foundation is advising travelers to check their vaccination status for hepatitis A and B before embarking on trips to destinations where these viruses are prevalent. The recommended vaccination guidelines vary based on the traveler's age, vaccination history, and the endemicity of the destination region.

Hepatitis A Vaccination for Travelers

For infants aged 6–11 months traveling to countries with high or intermediate Hepatitis A endemicity, a single dose of Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended before departure. After returning, they should be revaccinated with the routine 2-dose series spaced at least 6 months apart between ages 12–23 months.

For unvaccinated persons aged 12 months or older, vaccination should be administered as soon as travel is considered, ideally completing the 2-dose series for durable protection. The typical schedule is 2 doses given 6 months apart, providing protection up to 25 years after the second dose.

Hepatitis A vaccination is strongly advised for travel to regions with poor sanitation or where Hepatitis A is common, such as many parts of Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Eastern Europe.

Hepatitis B Vaccination for Travelers

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for unvaccinated travelers to regions with a high or intermediate prevalence of Hepatitis B virus infection. The standard adult Hepatitis B vaccine schedule consists of 3 doses given at 0, 1, and 6 months, or a 2-dose series can be used if Heplisav-B vaccine is selected, spaced at least 4 weeks apart.

For accelerated protection when travel is imminent (within one month), an accelerated Hepatitis B vaccine schedule can be used: doses at 0, 7, and 21–30 days, followed by a booster at 12 months to maintain longer-term immunity.

An alternative combined Hepatitis A-Hepatitis B vaccine (Twinrix) allows for a 3-dose series at 0, 1, and 6 months or a 4-dose accelerated schedule (0, 7, 21-30 days followed by a booster at 12 months), suitable for adults aged 18 and older traveling to endemic regions.

Vaccination Considerations for Travelers

Vaccination against Hepatitis A and B should be integrated into pre-travel health consultations, especially for travelers to developing countries or those with increased risk (e.g., working in healthcare, prolonged stays). If time before departure is limited, accelerated vaccine schedules are effective but require timely follow-up for boosters.

Travelers with unknown or incomplete vaccination history should be evaluated and vaccinated accordingly before travel.

Summary by Traveler Factors

| Vaccine | Age Group | Schedule | Notes | Target Regions | |---------|-----------|----------|-------|----------------| | Hepatitis A | Infants 6–11 months | 1 dose before travel; revaccinate 2 doses at 12–23 months | For early travel; routine immunity after 2-dose series | High/intermediate endemic countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America | | Hepatitis A | ≥12 months (unvaccinated) | 2 doses, 6 months apart | Administer 1st dose ASAP before travel | Same as above | | Hepatitis B | Adults & children | 3 doses at 0, 1, 6 months or accelerated 0, 7, 21-30 days + booster at 12 months | Accelerated for imminent travel | High/intermediate endemic countries | | Hepatitis A & B (combined) | Adults ≥18 years | 3-dose (0, 1, 6 months) or 4-dose accelerated schedule | Suitable for travelers needing protection against both viruses | Same as for separate HepA and HepB |

Additional Considerations

Hepatitis A viruses are primarily transmitted through contaminated food and water.
The RKI recommends vaccination for travel to Eastern European countries for Hepatitis A.
The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) recommends vaccination for travel to Central and South America, Africa, and Asia for Hepatitis A.
Hepatitis A causes flu-like symptoms such as fever, general illness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice).
Hepatitis B is preventable through vaccination.
The German Liver Foundation warns that vacationers may be exposed to hepatitis A or B viruses in popular travel destinations, potentially bringing back an unwanted souvenir of liver inflammation.
Hepatitis B viruses are also transmitted through shared objects like razors, sex toys, syringes, or toothbrushes.
A basic immunization for Hepatitis A consists of two vaccinations, with the second shot six to twelve months after the first.
Hepatitis A usually heals without complications, but liver damage can remain.
Hepatitis B can lead to chronic liver disease and liver cancer if not treated.
There are also combination vaccines that protect against both hepatitis A and B.
Hepatitis B is a type of hepatitis that can be contracted from various sources, including sexual contact and sharing needles.
A basic immunization against hepatitis B consists of three doses, with the second dose one month after the first and the third dose five months later.
Liver damage from hepatitis A or B can have long-term health consequences.
Many health insurance companies cover the costs of travel vaccinations.
Hepatitis A is also known as travelers' jaundice.
The RKI recommends vaccination against hepatitis B only if one or more risk factors are present, such as a travel duration of more than four weeks or planned operations or dental procedures in the destination country.
Most people already have sufficient protection two weeks after the first Hepatitis A vaccination, according to the German Liver Foundation.
Hepatitis B can lead to a chronic course and increase the risk of follow-up diseases such as liver cirrhosis or liver cell cancer.
The German Liver Foundation advises checking vaccination status for not only Hepatitis A and B, but also other medical-conditions such as chronic diseases, cancer, respiratory conditions, digestive-health issues, eye-health concerns, hearing problems, and skin-conditions before travel.
Health-and-wellness concerns like mental-health, autoimmune-disorders, and neurological-disorders should also be considered during pre-travel health consultations, especially for travelers to developing countries or those with increased risk.
Fitness-and-exercise routines might need adjustments while traveling, so it's essential to plan nutritional needs accordingly.
Cardiovascular-health is another important aspect to consider, as travel can impact heart health due to changes in diet, exercise, and sleep patterns.
While traveling, it's crucial to maintain proper skin-care regimens to prevent skin-conditions and sun-related issues.
Lifestyle factors such as hygiene practices, alcohol consumption, and smoking should be taken into account, as they can affect various health aspects during travel.
Therapies-and-treatments for existing medical conditions should be well-planned and discussed with healthcare providers to ensure continuity of care while abroad.
Travel sometimes requires adaptation to new climates and environments, which can affect overall health and wellbeing. It's vital to stay mindful of these changes and adjust accordingly.
Skin-conditions, mental-health issues, and other chronic diseases might require specific therapies or medications during travel, so it's essential to have prescriptions and necessary documentation when crossing borders.
Pre-travel health consultations should also include discussions about travel vaccinations, as well as recommended treatments for potential respiratory conditions, digestive-health problems, and eye-health concerns that may arise during travel.