The most commonly skipped travel vaccine
Hepatitis A is the most frequently acquired vaccine-preventable illness in Canadian travellers — and yet it remains one of the most commonly skipped vaccines. Many travellers assume that staying at a resort or eating at "safe-looking" restaurants protects them. It doesn't.
Hepatitis A is spread through food and water contaminated with fecal matter. It can come from a restaurant where a food handler is infected, from buffet food, from ice made with contaminated water, or from raw produce washed in contaminated water. Even 5-star resorts have had documented outbreaks.
Hepatitis A vaccine options in Canada
Single-antigen vaccines (Hepatitis A only)
- Havrix (GlaxoSmithKline)
- Avaxim (Sanofi)
- Vaqta (Merck)
These provide Hep A protection only. Recommended schedule: first dose at least 2 weeks before travel, second dose 6–12 months later for long-term protection.
Combined Hep A + B vaccine
- Twinrix (GlaxoSmithKline) — covers both Hepatitis A and B in one schedule
If you need both Hep A and Hep B protection, Twinrix is the most efficient option — one 3-dose schedule covers both infections.
Hepatitis A vaccine cost in Canada
- Havrix (2 doses) and Twinrix (hepatitis A + B, 3 doses): our current prices are on our travel vaccine price list, which shows every travel vaccine and malaria medication we offer
Many extended health benefit plans cover hepatitis A vaccine — check your plan and save official receipts. Not covered by OHIP.
How long does protection last?
- First dose alone: approximately 1 year of solid protection
- After second dose (6–12 months later): 20+ years, likely lifelong for healthy adults
If you received two doses at any point in your life, you do not need a booster for travel.
Who needs hepatitis A vaccine?
All travellers to developing regions — even resort travellers:
- Mexico, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Jamaica, Haiti
- India, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia
- Morocco, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia
- Peru, Colombia, Brazil, Guatemala
Book your Hepatitis A vaccination consultation at Virtual Travel Clinic. We serve Mississauga, Scarborough, Ottawa, and all of Ontario virtually.
Sources: PHAC Travel Health | CDC Yellow Book — Hepatitis A
Need travel health advice?
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