Hepatitis A Vaccine in Ottawa
Recommended for nearly all international travellers. One of the most common vaccine-preventable infections acquired abroad.
What Is Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver spread through contaminated food and water, or direct contact with an infected person. It is one of the most frequently diagnosed vaccine-preventable diseases in returning Canadian travellers. Unlike Hepatitis B, Hepatitis A does not cause chronic infection — but the acute illness can be severe, particularly in adults, and can leave you bedridden for weeks to months.
Symptoms include nausea, profound fatigue, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, dark urine, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). Adults over 50 and those with pre-existing liver disease face a higher risk of serious complications, including liver failure. There is no specific antiviral treatment — supportive care only.
Risk for unvaccinated travellers to developing regions is estimated at 6–30 cases per 100,000 travellers per month — making it one of the most common vaccine-preventable illnesses acquired during international travel.
Who Needs the Hepatitis A Vaccine?
Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for virtually all Ottawa travellers heading to:
- Mexico and the Caribbean (Cuba, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and other islands)
- Central and South America (Guatemala, Costa Rica, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil)
- Africa (including popular safari destinations in Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa)
- Asia (India, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, and across Southeast Asia)
- Eastern Europe and the Middle East
Even destinations that appear tourist-friendly carry risk — the virus is present wherever water and sanitation standards differ from Canada. Staying at resorts or eating at restaurants does not eliminate exposure risk, as outbreaks have occurred at high-end hotels.
Higher-risk groups include:
- Travellers visiting friends or relatives in endemic countries
- Those eating street food or at buffets
- Adventure travellers or those staying in rural or remote settings
- Travellers with chronic liver disease or HIV
- Anyone who has not been previously vaccinated or infected
Hepatitis A Vaccines Available in Ottawa
At Orleans Travel Clinic Pharmacy, we offer the following inactivated Hepatitis A vaccines:
| Vaccine | Manufacturer | Ages |
|---|---|---|
| Havrix | GSK | 12 months and older |
| Vaqta | Merck | 12 months and older |
| Twinrix (Hep A + B combined) | GSK | 18 years and older |
A single dose provides near-complete protection and is sufficient for most travel. The booster dose, given 6–12 months after the first, extends immunity for over 40 years in more than 90% of recipients — essentially lifelong protection.
Timing
Ideally, receive the vaccine at least 2 weeks before departure, though even a dose given on the day of travel offers significant protection. The sooner you book, the better — book your virtual travel consultation with Orleans Travel Clinic Pharmacy early to avoid a last-minute rush before your trip.
Side Effects
The Hepatitis A vaccine is very well tolerated. The most common reaction is mild soreness or redness at the injection site. Mild fatigue may also occur. Serious adverse events are extremely rare. There are no contraindications for healthy adults of travel age.
Combining with Hepatitis B
Many Ottawa travellers require both Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B vaccines. If this applies to you, Twinrix (available at Orleans Travel Clinic Pharmacy) covers both in a single 3-dose series, or an accelerated 4-dose series for faster protection before travel. Your ISTM-certified physician will recommend the best approach based on your timeline and destinations at your virtual consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions — Hepatitis A Vaccine in Ottawa
Is the Hepatitis A vaccine covered by OHIP in Ontario?
No, the Hepatitis A vaccine is not covered by OHIP for travel purposes. However, many extended health benefit plans cover travel vaccines partially or in full — check your plan before your appointment. The virtual consultation fee starts from $60/person.
How long does one dose of the Hepatitis A vaccine last?
A single dose provides protection for approximately 1 year. Once the booster dose is given (6–12 months after the first), protection lasts over 40 years — effectively lifelong for most travellers. If you received your first dose years ago but never got the booster, you can still get it now — the series does not need to restart.
I received the Hepatitis A vaccine as a child — do I need another dose?
If you received 2 documented doses of a Hepatitis A vaccine in childhood, you are considered protected for life and do not need additional doses. If you only received one dose, get the booster before your next trip. Your physician can review your records at your virtual consultation.
Can I get the Hepatitis A vaccine the same day as my other travel vaccines?
Yes. Hepatitis A vaccine can generally be co-administered with other travel vaccines on the same day. Your ISTM-certified physician will coordinate your full vaccine schedule at your virtual consultation.
Do I need the Hepatitis A vaccine for Mexico, Cuba, or the Dominican Republic?
Yes — Hepatitis A is recommended for travel to all three destinations. These are among the most popular for Ottawa travellers and all carry Hepatitis A risk. Even staying at an all-inclusive resort does not eliminate exposure risk entirely.
What is the difference between Havrix, Vaqta, and Twinrix?
Havrix and Vaqta are both Hepatitis A-only vaccines with equivalent safety and efficacy. Twinrix is a combined Hepatitis A and B vaccine — recommended if you need protection against both, which applies to most adult travellers. Your physician will advise the right option at your virtual consultation.