Hepatitis B (Travel) Vaccine
An important travel vaccine for people whose trips may involve hepatitis B exposure risk.
What is the Hepatitis B (Travel) vaccine?
Hepatitis B spreads through blood and certain body fluids. Travel-related risk can increase when someone may need medical or dental care abroad, have sexual exposure, work in healthcare, receive tattoos or piercings, or spend longer periods in areas where hepatitis B is more common. Vaccination helps protect travelers before these exposures happen.
Key Destinations
Higher-risk travel settings and destinations where exposure to blood or body fluids may occur
Timing
Ideally start early, but shorter schedules may be possible for some travelers before travel
Status
Recommended for travelers with certain activities, longer stays, or possible medical or sexual exposure risk
About the Hepatitis B (Travel) Vaccine
Hepatitis B spreads through blood and certain body fluids. Travel-related risk can increase when someone may need medical or dental care abroad, have sexual exposure, work in healthcare, receive tattoos or piercings, or spend longer periods in areas where hepatitis B is more common. Vaccination helps protect travelers before these exposures happen.
Who should get this vaccine?
- Travelers going to destinations where hepatitis B is more common and exposure risk may be higher
- Healthcare workers or medical volunteers traveling abroad
- Long-term travelers, repeat travelers, and expatriates
- Anyone who might need medical or dental procedures during travel
- Travelers who may have sexual exposure, tattoos, piercings, or other blood or body fluid contact during travel
Side effects & contraindications
Common side effects
- Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
- Low-grade fever
- Headache or fatigue
Hepatitis B vaccine has a strong safety profile and has been studied extensively.
Rare side effects
- Severe allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis
Who should NOT get this vaccine
- Severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of hepatitis B vaccine or to a vaccine component
- Severe allergy to yeast for certain hepatitis B vaccines
- People who are currently moderately or severely ill may need to wait until they recover
Always inform your pharmacist of any allergies, medical conditions, or medications before receiving the Hepatitis B (Travel) vaccine.
Dosing Schedule
Many hepatitis B vaccines use a 3-dose schedule over 6 months. Some adults may be eligible for Heplisav-B, which is given as 2 doses 1 month apart. For urgent travel, approved accelerated options may be considered depending on age, product, and timing.
Forms & Documents
Vaccine consent forms and Vaccine Information Statements (VIS) are provided at the pharmacy before vaccination.
Destinations
Hepatitis B travel vaccination may be especially important for travel to regions where hepatitis B is more common, or for trips that may involve higher exposure risk.
When to get vaccinated
Timing: Start as early as possible before travel
Some hepatitis B vaccine schedules take several months to complete, but faster options may be available for certain travelers.
Required vs. Recommended
Usually recommended based on destination, trip duration, and possible exposure to blood, body fluids, or medical care.
After your vaccination
Aftercare tips
- Apply a cool compress to the injection site if it feels sore
- Move your arm throughout the day to help reduce stiffness
- Stay hydrated and rest if you feel tired
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen if needed
- Visit our contact page if you develop severe symptoms or have concerns that do not improve after a few days
Cost & coverage
Travel vaccines may not be covered by every insurance plan. Visit our contact page and we can help review current pricing and check your benefits when applicable.
Contact us to verify your coverageHepatitis B (Travel) FAQs
Common questions about the Hepatitis B (Travel) vaccine for travelers.
Still have questions?
Contact usYes. Starting the series before travel may still be beneficial, and some faster schedules may be available depending on the vaccine used. Our team can help identify the best option for your timeline.
Schedule a Travel Health Consultation
Share your travel plans through our contact page, and our team will help recommend the right vaccines for your trip.
Call us
Contact Us
Phone
(951) 406-1521Office hours
Mon–Fri: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sat: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Sun: Closed
Location
10465 Arlington Ave., Suite 300
Riverside, CA 92505
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