Hepatitis A Vaccine in Canada — Cost, Havrix vs Twinrix, and When to Get It
Hepatitis A is the most common vaccine-preventable illness in Canadian travellers. Spread through contaminated food and water, it can cause weeks of jaundice and fatigue. The vaccine provides near-complete protection and is recommended for virtually all travellers to developing regions — even for resort stays.
What it protects against
Hepatitis A virus (HAV), spread through contaminated food, water, and fecal-oral contact. Causes liver inflammation, jaundice, and can result in months of illness and missed work.
Who should get it
- •All travellers to Mexico, Central/South America, Caribbean
- •Travellers to Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Middle East
- •Adults whose hepatitis A vaccination status is unknown or incomplete
- •People with chronic liver disease, hepatitis B or C
- •Travellers staying in local accommodation, adventurous eaters
Not recommended for
- •Severe allergy to alum or any vaccine component (very rare)
Destinations where Hepatitis A is recommended
Full destination guides for Hepatitis A travel
Explore our country guides — each covers the full vaccine plan, malaria risk, local health considerations, and FAQs.
Side effects & safety
- Mild soreness at injection site (most common)
- Low-grade fever or fatigue (uncommon)
- Excellent safety profile — one of the best-tolerated travel vaccines
- Safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding
Key facts
- 1Even a single dose provides 94–100% protection within 2 weeks
- 2Twinrix (Hep A+B combined) covers both infections in one schedule
- 3Hepatitis A vaccine is NOT covered by OHIP — travel vaccines are out-of-pocket
- 4First dose alone is still worth getting even days before departure
Get vaccinated at our Toronto travel clinic
Book a virtual consultation with our ISTM CTH® physicians, then visit our Toronto pharmacy for vaccination. We serve patients from across the GTA — including Mississauga, Etobicoke, and across Toronto.
Need the hepatitis a for your trip?
Book a virtual consultation with a licensed Canadian physician. We'll review your itinerary, issue the prescription, and administer the vaccine at our Toronto pharmacy.
Book your consultationFrequently asked: Hepatitis A Vaccine
How much does the hepatitis A vaccine cost in Canada?
Single-antigen hepatitis A vaccine (Havrix, Avaxim) costs approximately $70–$100 per dose. The combined Hep A+B vaccine (Twinrix) costs $90–$130 per dose (3 doses required). Most extended health benefit plans cover travel vaccines — we provide official receipts for insurance reimbursement. Not covered by OHIP.
Should I get Havrix or Twinrix?
If you need only hepatitis A: Havrix or Avaxim (2 doses over 6–12 months). If you also need hepatitis B: Twinrix (3 doses over 6 months) covers both in one schedule. Our physician reviews your complete vaccination history and recommends the right option. Many adults have partial Hep B coverage from school.
Is the hepatitis A vaccine necessary for a resort vacation in Mexico?
Yes — hepatitis A is the most commonly acquired vaccine-preventable infection in travellers, and outbreaks have been linked to resorts where food handlers are infected. Even careful resort travellers can be exposed. The vaccine is inexpensive, safe, and 94–100% effective. The cost of illness (weeks of jaundice) far outweighs the cost of one dose.
How long does the hepatitis A vaccine last?
One dose provides solid protection for at least 1 year. The second dose (6–12 months after the first) extends protection to 20+ years and is likely lifelong for healthy adults. If you have received both doses at any point in your life, you do not need a booster for travel.
Can I get the hepatitis A vaccine and travel the same week?
Yes — the vaccine provides protective immunity within 2 weeks of the first dose. If you’re departing within 2 weeks, we still recommend vaccination — even partial immunity is meaningful. For same-day or next-day travel, immune globulin can also be considered — discuss with our physician.
Is hepatitis A vaccine the same as hepatitis B vaccine?
No — they are different infections caused by different viruses with different transmission routes. Hepatitis A is spread through contaminated food and water. Hepatitis B is spread through blood and bodily fluids. Both vaccines are recommended for many travellers. Twinrix (combined Hep A+B) covers both in one schedule.
How long does Hepatitis A vaccine protection last?
The full Hepatitis A vaccine series (2 doses, given 6–12 months apart) provides protection for at least 25–30 years, possibly a lifetime. A single dose provides protection for approximately 1 year. Twinrix (Hep A + Hep B combined) follows a 3-dose schedule. Our travel physician will recommend the right option for your timeline and travel history.
Do I need a Hepatitis A vaccine for Mexico?
Yes, Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for all travellers to Mexico, regardless of accommodation type. Hepatitis A is transmitted through contaminated food and water. The vaccine is highly effective — one dose provides immediate protection for up to 1 year; the booster extends coverage to 25+ years.
Related reading
Explore other travel vaccines
This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace an individual medical consultation. Recommendations vary based on your health history, destination, and planned activities. A consultation with our licensed physician is required before any prescription or vaccine is issued.