Hepatitis B Vaccine
What is Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B (HB) is a vaccine-preventable liver infection caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV).
It can cause both acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) liver disease. While some adults develop noticeable symptoms, many children have mild or no symptoms.
Chronic Hepatitis B can lead to serious complications, including:
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Liver cirrhosis
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Liver failure
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Liver cancer
Hepatitis B is one of the leading causes of liver cancer worldwide.
What Are the Symptoms of Hepatitis B?
Incubation period: 45–160 days (average 90 days)
Acute Infection Symptoms
Chronic Infection
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Fever
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Fatigue
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Loss of appetite
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Nausea and vomiting
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Abdominal pain
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Dark urine
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Pale stools
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Joint pain
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Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
Children under age 5 often have mild or no symptoms.
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May have no symptoms for years
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Silent liver damage can occur
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Can progress to cirrhosis or liver cancer
How Does Hepatitis B Spread?
Hepatitis B spreads through contact with infected blood or body fluids.
Common transmission routes include:
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Sexual contact with an infected person
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Sharing needles or drug equipment
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Needle stick injuries
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Sharing razors or toothbrushes
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From mother to baby during childbirth
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Unsterile medical, dental, tattoo, or cosmetic procedures
Hepatitis B is not spread by casual contact such as hugging, coughing, or sharing food.
The virus can survive outside the body for at least 7 days.
Who is at Risk?
You are at higher risk if you:
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Travel to regions with moderate or high Hepatitis B prevalence
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Have multiple sexual partners
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Live with someone infected with Hepatitis B
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Use injection or non-injection drugs
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Work in healthcare or public safety
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Receive hemodialysis
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Have chronic liver disease
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Have HIV or a weakened immune system
Travellers may be at risk through medical care abroad, sexual contact, or unexpected exposure to blood.
Where is Hepatitis B Common?
High Prevalence Regions
Moderate Prevalence
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Sub-Saharan Africa
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East Asia
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Parts of Southeast Asia
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Pacific Islands
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Eastern Europe
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Middle East
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South America
Low Prevalence
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Canada
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United States
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Western Europe
Even in low-prevalence countries, unvaccinated individuals remain at risk.
Prevention and Hep B Vaccine Information
Hepatitis B Vaccine Schedule
Standard adult schedule: 3 doses at 0, 1, and 6 months
Accelerated schedule (for those travelling soon): 0, 7, 21 days, with a booster at 12 months
Twinrix (Hepatitis A & B Combination Vaccine)
Twinrix is available in both regular and accelerated schedules for travellers.
Effectiveness
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Over 95% effective in healthy adults
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Long-lasting protection
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Booster doses are not routinely required for healthy individuals
Alberta Public Funding for Hepatitis B Vaccine
In Alberta, children born on or after March 1, 2018 receive the Hepatitis B vaccine as part of their routine childhood immunization series.
If you were born in 1981 or later and did not receive the Hepatitis B vaccine through the school immunization program, you may be eligible to receive it free of charge.
You may also qualify for publicly funded vaccination if you are at increased risk due to:
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Certain medical conditions (such as liver or kidney disease)
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Your occupation (including some healthcare workers)
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Lifestyle risk factors (such as unprotected sex or sharing needles)
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Possible contact with infected blood or body fluids
Alberta Health does not cover the Hepatitis B vaccine for travel purposes. The vaccine is available privately at Whole Health Pharmacy Travel Clinic. View current pricing here.
Faqs
How often is the Hep B vaccine needed?
Most adults need the Hepatitis B vaccine series only once. After completing the full series, protection is long-lasting and booster doses are not routinely recommended for healthy individuals.
When does Canada give the Hep B vaccine?
In Alberta, children born on or after March 1, 2018 receive Hepatitis B vaccine during infancy as part of routine immunizations. Older children may receive it through the school immunization program.
Is a Hep B vaccine necessary?
The Hepatitis B vaccine is strongly recommended for infants, healthcare workers, individuals at increased risk, and travellers to regions where Hepatitis B is common. It is the most effective way to prevent chronic liver disease caused by HBV.
Can I still get Hepatitis B even if I was vaccinated?
The Hepatitis B vaccine is highly effective. More than 95% of healthy adults develop protective immunity after completing the full series. Breakthrough infections are rare.
Why Choose Whole Health Pharmacy Travel Clinic in Edmonton?
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One-stop travel health service — assessment, prescriptions, and vaccines in a single visit
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Yellow Fever designated vaccination centre — official PHAC certificate issued on site
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No consultation fee, no injection fee, no certificate fee
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Personalized travel health plans
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Standard and accelerated Hep B and Twinrix schedules available
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Convenient Edmonton location