Is It Advisable To Take Hepatitis B Vaccination Before Travelling?

Posted on Sat, 22 Aug 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 22 Aug 2015 Answered on

Fri, 11 Sep 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I am going to Iquitos in Peru in about three weeks time. I have had Hepatitis A vaccinations already should I get Hepatitis B as well. I have heard it needs three injections. Can I still do it before I leave on September 4th for Lima and then on to Iquitos for two weeks on September 8th?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (40 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It s your choice,generally not done for travellers

Detailed Answer:
Hi and welcome.
Hepatitis b,unlike hepatitis a, is not transmitted through food or fluids and it is transmitted only through sexual intercourse or through blood as seen in needle incidents,intravenous drug abuse etc. So I don't think you are in risk of hepatitis b infection. Vaccine should be given after 1-2 months and third dose after 4-6 month. So you can calculate and organise how will you receive it. Wish you good health.Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar