Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is caused by the Hepatits A virus (HAV). Worldwide there are an estimated 1.4 million cases of Hepatitis A infection every year. Distribution is global but the infection is most common in areas where sanitation is poor and food and water safety is questionable. Hepatitis A is endemic throughout the underdeveloped world and it occurs in pockets in developed countries as well. This highly contagious disease is spread through contaminated food and water including ice; breakdowns in sanitation due to natural disasters and floods; infected food handlers; ingestion of raw or undercooked shellfish harvested from sewage-contaminated waters; ingestion of uncooked and unpeeled fruits and vegetables. Although rare, it can be transmitted through blood transfusions, sexual relations or needle sharing.

The risk of infection for travelers to developing countries increases with extended stays. Areas of high risk for Hepatitis A include Africa, Mexico, the Middle East, Central and South America, Asia, and the Caribbean. Hepatitis A virus is also present in the Mediterranean basin and Eastern Europe where the risk of infection is greater for those who visit rural areas, the back country, or those who eat or drink in areas of poor sanitation.

Adult travelers are urged to receive at least the first injection before departure and a follow-up booster at 6 months. Twinrix combines Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B into a 3 dose series saving several needle sticks. Check with your Passport Health Travel Medicine Specialist to see which approach is best for you.

Source: CDC Vaccine Information Statement (VIS): Hepatitis A - (3/21/06) 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-26

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). Hepatitis B exists everywhere in the world and cuts through all socioeconomic groups and it's chronically present in all of Africa, China, Korea, Indonesia, the Philippines, the southern and western Pacific, the Middle East, Haiti, the Dominican Republic and the Amazon River Basin. Intermediate incidences of chronic Hepatitis B occur in South and Central America, Russia, Japan, southwest Asia, eastern and southern Europe and most areas surrounding the Amazon River Basin.

The Hepatitis B virus is transmitted primarily through contact with blood or blood-derived fluids, often by unprotected sexual activity. Open skin lesions from scabies and scratched insect bites can play a role in transmission of the Hepatitis B virus if direct exposure to wound exudates occurs. Hepatitis B can be easily transmitted through blood transfusions and through medical, dental or other exposure to contaminated needles (e.g. IV drug use, acupuncture, tattooing, etc).

Chronic Hepatitis B infection can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. Adult travelers are urged to receive a full course of injections (3) before departure. If this is not possible, the Hepatitis B vaccine can be administered in an accelerated schedule. Hepatitis A & Hepatitis B are available together in a 3 shot series vaccine called Twinrix, saving several needle sticks. Check with your Passport Health Travel Medicine Specialist to see which approach is best for you.

Source: CDC Vaccine Information Statement (VIS): Hepatitis B (7/18/07) 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-26

So, if you are asking yourself, "what shots do I need?" click here to locate the location nearest you in Miami-Dade County, or call 305-642-9889.

You can also click here to learn more about diseases and vaccines that may impact your trip.