Hepatitis A and B are different viruses with different vaccines. Both cause inflammation of the liver, but they spread differently and have different long-term consequences. A combined vaccine covers both in a single course.
Hepatitis A
Spread through contaminated food, water and close contact. Most people recover, but the acute illness can be miserable for weeks. The vaccine is two doses 6–12 months apart, the first dose alone provides good travel protection.
Recommended for adults travelling to most of Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Central and South America, and the Pacific.
Hepatitis B
Spread through blood and bodily fluids, sexual contact, sharing injection equipment, mother-to-baby transmission. Around 5% of acute hepatitis B in adults becomes chronic, which significantly raises lifetime liver cancer risk. The vaccine is three doses over 6 months. Universal infant hep B vaccination started in Australia in 2000, many adults born before then aren’t immune.
Recommended for adults with risk factors, healthcare and emergency workers, travellers to endemic regions, new sexual partners, people who inject drugs, household contacts of someone with hep B, and adults wishing to complete their schedule.
Combined vaccine
A single combined two-virus vaccine is widely available, three doses over 6 months. For travellers, an accelerated schedule is sometimes possible if your departure is sooner. Talk to us 6 weeks before travel where possible.
Sources & further reading
General information only. This article is educational and is not a substitute for personal medical advice. Your immuniser will confirm eligibility and contraindications on the day.
TGA advertising compliance. Vaccines are referred to by disease or category in line with the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code. Specific brands and registered indications are discussed at the consultation.