Hepatitis B Vaccine for Travellers in Canada — Twinrix, Accelerated Schedule & Who Needs It
Hepatitis B is a viral liver infection spread through blood, sexual contact, and contaminated medical or dental equipment. While routine vaccination is part of Canadian school immunization programs, many adults have incomplete records. The combined Twinrix vaccine efficiently covers both Hepatitis A and B in one schedule — ideal for most travellers who need both.
What it protects against
Hepatitis B virus (HBV), spread through blood and bodily fluids — unprotected sex, needle sharing, contaminated medical/dental equipment, and unsterilized tattooing or piercing.
Who should get it
- •Adults who are unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated (fewer than 3 doses)
- •Travellers to Southeast Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and South Asia (high endemic regions)
- •Anyone receiving medical or dental care abroad
- •Travellers who may have sexual contact abroad
- •Healthcare workers travelling internationally
Not recommended for
- •Severe allergy to yeast (vaccine component) — very rare
Destinations where Hepatitis B is recommended
Full destination guides for Hepatitis B 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
- Occasional low-grade fever or fatigue
- Excellent safety profile — one of the most studied vaccines worldwide
Key facts
- 1Many Canadians received Hep B in school but may have incomplete records or fewer than 3 doses — re-vaccination is safe
- 2Twinrix (combined Hep A+B) is the most efficient option if you need both vaccines
- 3The accelerated Twinrix schedule (0, 7, 21 days + booster) provides protection in 3 weeks for last-minute travellers
- 4Lifelong protection after completing the full series — no boosters needed for healthy adults
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 b 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 B Vaccine
Do I need hepatitis B vaccine if I was vaccinated in school?
Possibly — check your vaccination records. Many Canadians received hepatitis B in school but may have incomplete records, incomplete series, or records that can’t be found. If your records are unavailable, re-vaccination is safe and effective. Our physician can review your history at consultation.
Should I get Twinrix or separate Hep A and Hep B vaccines?
If you need both hepatitis A and B: Twinrix is the most efficient choice — one 3-dose schedule covers both. If you already have confirmed Hep A immunity (two prior doses): single-antigen Hep B vaccine is used instead. Our physician reviews your complete vaccination history at consultation.
Is there a fast-track hepatitis B option for last-minute travel?
Yes — the accelerated Twinrix schedule (doses at days 0, 7, and 21, with a booster at 12 months) provides protection in 3 weeks and covers both Hep A and B. This is ideal for travellers who cannot complete the standard 6-month schedule before departure.
Do I need hepatitis B vaccine for Thailand?
Hepatitis B is endemic in Thailand — Southeast Asia as a whole has high prevalence. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers who are unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated. Given the Twinrix option covers both Hep A and B, most Thailand-bound travellers get both in one schedule.
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.