Click the links to jump ahead:
Hepatitis A vaccines
Hepatitis B vaccines
I have hepatitis B: What vaccines do I need?
I have/had hepatitis C: What vaccines do I need?
Accessing your vaccine records
Big picture: Role of vaccines in hepatitis elimination
Vaccines introduce a harmless part of a virus to the body, prompting the immune system to create antibodies that remember how to defeat the real virus. In the future, if hep B is contracted, the immune system is ready to fend it off, preventing sickness or reducing the severity of the illness. Vaccines not only safeguard individuals but also contribute to community health by creating a shield of immunity that makes it harder for diseases to spread. The vaccine gives long-term protection from hep B infection. Overall, vaccines are essential tools in keeping us and our communities healthy.
About hepatitis vaccines
Hepatitis A and B can be prevented by vaccination. Multiple safe and effective vaccines are available to prevent hepatitis A and hep B. It is also available as a combination vaccine to prevent both hepatitis A and B.
There is no vaccine for hepatitis C.
Hepatitis A vaccines
Vaccines for hepatitis A are generally given in two separate doses, six months apart, or sometimes as a single dose.1https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/canadian-immunization-guide-part-4-active-vaccines/page-6-hepatitis-a-vaccine.html#p4c5t2 A person who receives the vaccine for hepatitis A can expect protection from the virus for around 20 years. Persons traveling outside of Canada are the largest group who may be exposed to the hepatitis A virus. It is recommended to get the vaccine at least 2-3 weeks before travel.2https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hepatitis-a/vaccination/
Due to increased risk of severe illness, some people are eligible to receive the hep A vaccine for free, including3https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/tests-treatments-medications/medications/hepatitis-vaccine:
- Indigenous children and youth aged 6 months to 18 years old
- People with hemophilia
- People who use injection drugs, or who share drug use equipment
- People living with chronic liver disease, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or HIV
- Men who have sex with men
- People who have received a stem cell or liver transplant
- People who are incarcerated (in a correctional facility)
- People in close contact with anyone who has known or suspected hepatitis A virus
- Anyone who has eaten food prepared by a food handler with known or suspected hepatitis A virus.
It is recommended other groups also receive the hepatitis A vaccine, though it is not provided for free 4https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/tests-treatments-medications/medications/hepatitis-vaccine:
- Travelers to countries where hepatitis A is common
- Immigrants and household close contacts of children adopted from countries where hepatitis A is common
- People with multiple sex partners
- Food handlers
- Residents and staff in settings where care is provided to people with intellectual or developmental disabilities when there is ongoing infection (increased risk of exposure)
- Zoo-keepers, veterinarians and researchers handling non-human primates
- People who research hepatitis A or produce hepatitis A vaccines
The hepatitis A vaccine (one dose) may also be given if exposure to hepatitis A has occurred to prevent illness.5https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/canadian-immunization-guide-part-4-active-vaccines/page-6-hepatitis-a-vaccine.html#p4c5t2
Hepatitis B vaccines
People of any age can receive hep B vaccines and vaccination can prevent most cases of the hep B virus. The hep B vaccine is safe and effective–it can be up to 98 to 100% effective at protecting us against the hep B virus. 6https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hepatitis-b#:~:text=It%20can%20cause%20chronic%20infection,chronic%20disease%20and%20liver%20cancer.
The majority of younger British Columbians have received a hep B vaccine and are protected against the hep B virus. From 1992-2001, children in BC received hep B immunizations in grade 6. [4] Since 2001, a universal hep B vaccination program immunizes infants in BC. Infants receive 3 vaccine doses and are immunized at 2, 4, and 6 months of age. 7https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/canadian-immunization-guide-part-4-active-vaccines/page-7-hepatitis-b-vaccine.html If infant doses are missed, catch-up doses are offered in grade 6, or can be received anytime in childhood or adulthood.
Some people are eligible to receive the hep B vaccine for free, including 8https://immunizebc.ca/vaccines-by-disease/hepatitis-b#:~:text=The%20hepatitis%20B%20vaccine%20is,%2DIPV%2DHib%20vaccine).:
- people born in 1980 or later who haven’t been vaccinated yet
- newcomer or immigrant children under 12 years old from countries with high rates of hep B
- gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men
- people living with HIV or hepatitis C
- people who are incarcerated
- people who use drugs and their sexual partners
- household and sexual contacts of someone with hep B
- if you’ve had a recent sexually transmitted infection
If you are receiving a hep B vaccine prior to travel, it is best to start as early as possible to ensure the best protection–getting your first shot 6 months before your trip is recommended, however, an accelerated vaccine schedule may be available. Travel vaccines need to be paid for out of pocket.
It is never too late to receive your hepatitis B vaccines!
Hepatitis B vaccine efficacy
Vaccines provide powerful protection against diseases like hep B by training our immune system to recognize and respond to specific viruses or bacteria. The hep B vaccine is very effective at preventing hep B infection if a person is exposed to the virus.
Note: __% response rate or immune response means that in a vaccinated population, __% less people will contract the disease when they come in contact with the virus; efficacy. 9https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/vaccine-efficacy-effectiveness-and-protection
- Childhood is the best time to receive hep B vaccines, with a 95% response rate in children under 2, and 99% in children aged 5-15. 10https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/canadian-immunization-guide-part-4-active-vaccines/page-7-hepatitis-b-vaccine.html
- Adults may have lower immune responses to the vaccine, but 95% of healthy adults still receive good protection. Response to the hep B vaccine tends decrease with age and changes in health.
A decreased response to the vaccine is seen in people who are immunocompromised, including people living with HIV, as well as those who have diabetes, liver disease, irritable bowel syndrome, or kidney failure–especially if they are receiving dialysis 11https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/canadian-immunization-guide-part-4-active-vaccines/page-7-hepatitis-b-vaccine.html. Fat people, people over 60 years of age, people who smoke, or are dependent on alcohol may also see a reduced immune response. 12https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/canadian-immunization-guide-part-4-active-vaccines/page-7-hepatitis-b-vaccine.html
In most cases, protection and benefit will still be received even if you are affected by one of the above factors–it is best to speak with a healthcare provider about your individual situation.
I have hepatitis B: What vaccines do I need?
If you have chronic hepatitis B, the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) recommends you get vaccinated against:
- hepatitis A
- pneumococcal disease
It is also recommended you receive an annual influenza vaccine (flu shot). 13http://www.bccdc.ca/resource-gallery/Documents/Guidelines%20and%20Forms/Guidelines%20and%20Manuals/Epid/CD%20Manual/Chapter%201%20-%20CDC/BCCDC%20HBV%20Guideline%20FINAL%20April_2021.pdf
A doctor, nurse, or pharmacist may have other recommendations based on your own situation and medical history.
I have/had hepatitis C: What vaccines do I need?
If you have or had chronic hepatitis C, BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) recommends you get vaccinated against 14http://www.bccdc.ca/resource-gallery/Documents/Guidelines%20and%20Forms/Guidelines%20and%20Manuals/Epid/CD%20Manual/Chapter%201%20-%20CDC/BCCDC%20HBV%20Guideline%20FINAL%20April_2021.pdf:
- hepatitis A
- hepatitis B
- pneumococcal disease
It is also recommended you receive an annual influenza vaccine (flu shot). 15https://immunizebc.ca/influenza#Everyone%206%20months%20and%20older
A doctor, nurse, or pharmacist may have other recommendations based on your own situation and medical history.
Finding vaccine records
If you are not sure if you have been vaccinated against hep B, Immunize BC has information on how to locate vaccine records. Blood tests may also be used to check if and when you’ve been vaccinated, or how your immune system responded to the vaccine. We can receive hep B vaccines as adults if we need them–a healthcare provider can give guidance if you have questions.
Big picture: Role of vaccines in hepatitis elimination
The World Health Organization (WHO) is leading a global response to viral hepatitis. They have created guidance for the elimination of viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030 16https://www.globalhep.org/sites/default/files/content/resources/files/2024-02/WHO%20Global%20Strategy%202022-2030.pdf. Canada signed on to this initiative, and so did British Columbia. British Columbia is working on its own roadmap to viral hepatitis elimination, plotting the provincial path towards the goals set out by the WHO.
To meet elimination goals, there are key targets from WHO and one metric from Action Hepatitis Canada that include vaccines 17https://www.globalhep.org/sites/default/files/content/resources/files/2024-02/WHO%20Global%20Strategy%202022-2030.pdf 18https://www.actionhepatitiscanada.ca/progressreport.html
- at least 90% coverage of hep B birth dose vaccine for infants, which can help prevent mother-to-child transmission
- at least 90% coverage of hep B vaccine (third dose) for infants
- hep B universal adult vaccination recommended and publicly funded
You can play a part in this global initiative! Check if you’re vaccinated for hep B, or get your first dose! 💪
Sources
- 1https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/canadian-immunization-guide-part-4-active-vaccines/page-6-hepatitis-a-vaccine.html#p4c5t2
- 2https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hepatitis-a/vaccination/
- 3https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/tests-treatments-medications/medications/hepatitis-vaccine
- 4https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/tests-treatments-medications/medications/hepatitis-vaccine
- 5https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/canadian-immunization-guide-part-4-active-vaccines/page-6-hepatitis-a-vaccine.html#p4c5t2
- 6https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hepatitis-b#:~:text=It%20can%20cause%20chronic%20infection,chronic%20disease%20and%20liver%20cancer.
- 7https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/canadian-immunization-guide-part-4-active-vaccines/page-7-hepatitis-b-vaccine.html
- 8https://immunizebc.ca/vaccines-by-disease/hepatitis-b#:~:text=The%20hepatitis%20B%20vaccine%20is,%2DIPV%2DHib%20vaccine).
- 9https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/vaccine-efficacy-effectiveness-and-protection
- 10https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/canadian-immunization-guide-part-4-active-vaccines/page-7-hepatitis-b-vaccine.html
- 11https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/canadian-immunization-guide-part-4-active-vaccines/page-7-hepatitis-b-vaccine.html
- 12https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/canadian-immunization-guide-part-4-active-vaccines/page-7-hepatitis-b-vaccine.html
- 13http://www.bccdc.ca/resource-gallery/Documents/Guidelines%20and%20Forms/Guidelines%20and%20Manuals/Epid/CD%20Manual/Chapter%201%20-%20CDC/BCCDC%20HBV%20Guideline%20FINAL%20April_2021.pdf
- 14http://www.bccdc.ca/resource-gallery/Documents/Guidelines%20and%20Forms/Guidelines%20and%20Manuals/Epid/CD%20Manual/Chapter%201%20-%20CDC/BCCDC%20HBV%20Guideline%20FINAL%20April_2021.pdf
- 15https://immunizebc.ca/influenza#Everyone%206%20months%20and%20older
- 16https://www.globalhep.org/sites/default/files/content/resources/files/2024-02/WHO%20Global%20Strategy%202022-2030.pdf
- 17https://www.globalhep.org/sites/default/files/content/resources/files/2024-02/WHO%20Global%20Strategy%202022-2030.pdf
- 18https://www.actionhepatitiscanada.ca/progressreport.html