Hepatitis A and B: Vaccinate before traveling - How to stay healthy on your vacation!

Hepatitis A and B: Vaccinate before traveling - How to stay healthy on your vacation!

Travelers planning a summer trip this year should urgently check their hepatitis vaccinations. The Robert Koch Institute [Radiosiegen] reports that hepatitis A is primarily transmitted through contaminated food and water. The symptoms of hepatitis A are usually flu-like and include fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and jaundice. Although hepatitis A usually heals without complications, long-lasting liver damage can occur.

In contrast, hepatitis B is transmitted through body fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal secretions and saliva. Infection can also occur through shared objects, such as razor blades, syringes or toothbrushes. Hepatitis B can also cause flu-like symptoms, but carries the risk of a chronic course. Chronic hepatitis B can lead to serious long-term diseases such as liver cirrhosis or hepatocellular cancer.

Important vaccination recommendations

Personal medical advice is recommended at least 6-8 weeks before the start of the trip in order to carry out the relevant vaccinations in a timely manner. Special vaccination recommendations for hepatitis A apply especially to travel to Central and South America, Africa, Asia and Eastern European countries. To ensure comprehensive protection, two vaccinations are necessary for the basic immunization against hepatitis A. The second dose should take place 6-12 months after the first, although protection after the first vaccination is usually considered sufficient after just two weeks.

Vaccination is recommended for hepatitis B, especially if there are risk factors such as travel longer than four weeks or planned medical procedures. The primary vaccination against hepatitis B consists of three doses, with the second dose given one month after the first and the third dose five months after the second. Some of those vaccinated may have achieved short-term protection after just one or two vaccinations.

Combination vaccines and cost coverage

Travelers should also know that combination vaccines against hepatitis A and B are available. This can be a practical option to optimize vaccination protection. According to the information from [Ready to Travel], in many cases the costs of travel vaccinations can be covered by health insurance companies.

It is important to note that this information is intended only as general advice for travelers and is in no way a substitute for consultation with a doctor. The recommendations primarily relate to direct entry from Germany into the respective travel country, although different regulations may apply for shorter stays or entries from third countries. Due to the traveler's individual circumstances, medical advice may be necessary so that all aspects can be optimally covered. The information is based on the recommendations of the Standing Vaccination Commission (STIKO) and the German Society for Tropical Medicine, Travel Medicine and Global Health e.V. (DTG).