Are you actually protected against Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B vaccination has been part of Ontario's school immunization program since 1984. That means most adults under 45 received it — but many have incomplete records, partial series, or coverage gaps that leave them unprotected for travel to high-endemic regions.
Before your trip to Southeast Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, or South Asia, it's worth confirming your Hepatitis B status.
What is Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is a viral liver infection spread through blood and bodily fluids — unprotected sex, needle sharing, and contaminated medical, dental, or tattooing equipment. Unlike Hepatitis A (spread through contaminated food), Hepatitis B is a blood-borne infection that causes chronic liver disease in up to 10% of adults who are acutely infected.
Hepatitis B is endemic at high rates in Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia), sub-Saharan Africa, and parts of South Asia.
Hepatitis B vaccines available in Canada
- Engerix-B (GlaxoSmithKline): single-antigen Hep B vaccine, 3-dose schedule
- Recombivax HB (Merck): single-antigen Hep B vaccine, 3-dose schedule
- Twinrix (GlaxoSmithKline): combined Hep A + Hep B — covers both infections in one schedule
Twinrix — why it's usually the better choice for travellers
If you need both Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B protection (most travellers to developing regions do), Twinrix is the most efficient option. One schedule covers both infections — rather than managing two separate injection timelines.
Twinrix has two schedule options:
| Schedule | Doses | Timing | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 3 doses | 0, 1, 6 months | Planned travel 6+ months out |
| Accelerated | 3 doses + booster | 0, 7, 21 days; booster at 12 months | Travel in 3–4 weeks |
The accelerated Twinrix schedule provides protection in just 3 weeks — very useful for last-minute travel planning.
How much does Twinrix cost in Canada?
Our current price for Twinrix (3 doses) is on our travel vaccine price list, which shows every travel vaccine and malaria medication we offer. Many extended health benefit plans cover Twinrix — we provide official itemized receipts for all services. Not covered by OHIP.
Who needs Hepatitis B vaccine for travel?
- Adults who are unvaccinated or have incomplete records (fewer than 3 doses)
- Travellers to Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia — high endemic regions
- Travellers to India, Bangladesh, Nepal — very high endemic regions
- Travellers to Kenya, Tanzania, all sub-Saharan Africa
- Anyone receiving medical, dental, or cosmetic procedures abroad
Book your Hepatitis B + Twinrix consultation
Our licensed physicians review your vaccination history, confirm your Hep B status, and recommend the right schedule. Virtual consultations from Mississauga, Ottawa, Brampton, and all of Ontario.
Sources: PHAC Travel Health | CDC Yellow Book — Hepatitis B
Need travel health advice?
A $110 virtual consultation with a licensed physician. We build your personalised vaccine and malaria plan, then deliver your prescriptions anywhere in Ontario.