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Update to Country Specific Hepatitis B Vaccine Recommendations

01 August 2024

The travel team at Public Health Scotland have recently reviewed and updated the country specific hepatitis B vaccine recommendations. You may notice that some of the hepatitis B recommendations on TRAVAX have changed.

Hepatitis B virus is found worldwide. For each country, the risk of hepatitis B for travellers has been assessed according to the prevalence of the local population known to be infected with hepatitis B virus. Vaccination is recommended for travellers depending on their risk of exposure:

Vaccines Sometimes Advised (for travellers at higher risk)

When the incidence of hepatitis B in the country is high (>8%) or intermediate (2-7%), consider vaccinating:

  • Those who may have unprotected sex and/or change sexual partners frequently
  • IV drug users.
  • Frequent travellers.
  • Long stay travellers.
  • VFR travellers
  • Those more likely to be exposed such as children (from cuts and scratches).
  • Those more at risk of injury and accidents (e.g. climbers, backpackers, adventure travellers, contact sports).
  • Individuals with underlying conditions who may need surgical procedures abroad.
  • Those travelling for medical procedures abroad.
  • Those at occupational risk (e.g. healthcare workers, relief /aid workers)

Vaccine selectively advised (for travellers at highest risk)

When the incidence of hepatitis B in the country is low (<2%), consider vaccinating:

  • Those who may have unprotected sex and/or change sexual partners frequently
  • IV drug users.
  • Those with chronic liver disease.
  • Those on haemodialysis for renal failure.
  • Those with haemophilia.
  • Those at occupational risk of disease (e.g. healthcare workers, dentists, laboratory staff)
  • Individuals in residential accommodation for those with learning difficulties.

The revised Hepatitis B vaccine recommendations can be found in the 'Vaccination Advice' section of each TRAVAX country page to assist you in determining which vaccinations are appropriate for your traveller during the risk assessment process.

See the TRAVAX Hepatitis B page for further information in the disease.