Hepatitis viruses cause acute and infectious inflammation of the liver, known as hepatitis. Hepatitis can be asymptomatic or cause only mild symptoms, but it can also become chronic and progress to liver cirrhosis and liver cancer, potentially leading to death. There are five different hepatitis viruses that infect humans. The most common are hepatitis A, B and C. Hepatitis infections are very common worldwide. For example, approximately 1.5 million new hepatitis B infections are diagnosed globally each year. The best way to protect yourself against hepatitis A and B is to get vaccinated. Hepatitis vaccinations are particularly recommended for travelers.
The hepatitis A+B combination vaccine can be given from the age of 1 year. The standard vaccination schedule consists of three doses at 0, 1 and 6 months. Two doses of the combination vaccine provide good protection against hepatitis A before traveling. The third dose provides long-term protection. After two doses, protection against hepatitis B is not yet at its maximum level. Good and long-lasting protection against hepatitis B is achieved after three doses.
If there are less than six months before your trip and you need good protection against both types of hepatitis, the combination vaccine can be given according to an accelerated schedule. The accelerated schedule consists of vaccinations on days 0, 7 and 21, followed by a fourth dose after 12 months. This vaccination schedule can be used for people aged 16 and over who need good protection because their trip is starting within six months. After the fourth dose, the protection is long-lasting.
How long is hepatitis vaccine protection valid?
For travelers, a complete vaccination series currently provides protection against hepatitis for approximately 30–40 years, based on current research.
Side effects of hepatitis vaccines
The vaccination reactions caused by different hepatitis vaccines are very similar. The most common side effects include:
pain and redness at the injection site
headache
fatigue
Other possible reactions include nausea, weakness, muscle aches and fever. Symptoms usually appear within a couple of days after vaccination and typically disappear quickly.
Find the nearest vaccination point
Hepatitis vaccination for children
The WHO recommends that all babies be vaccinated against hepatitis B. This recommendation is already implemented in most European countries. In Finland, newborns are entitled to a free hepatitis B vaccine if one or both parents come from a country where hepatitis B is common due to the increased risk of infection. Other risk groups included in Finland's national vaccination programme are listed on the THL website. For most families, hepatitis vaccination is self-funded. Hepatitis vaccination often becomes relevant when a child takes their first trip abroad. The hepatitis B vaccine can be given to newborns, while the hepatitis A vaccine and the A+B combination vaccine can be given from the age of 1 year. The standard vaccination schedule is similar to that for adults.
Rokotepalvelu is one of Finland’s leading private vaccination service providers. We operate in several cities with our vaccination clinics and mobile vaccination buses, making it easy for you to access vaccinations when and where you need them. Our vaccination and travel health specialists help ensure you receive the right protection for your needs. You’re welcome to visit us in the way that suits you best – with or without an appointment.
Always qualified healthcare professionals
Specialists in vaccinating children and people with needle anxiety
We record all vaccinations in Omakanta and send reminders for upcoming vaccinations
Hepatitis A vaccine
The separate hepatitis A vaccine can be given from the age of 1 year. Two doses are given according to a schedule of 0 and 6–12 months. After two doses, current knowledge indicates that protection lasts for at least 30–40 years. Even one dose of the hepatitis A vaccine provides protection before traveling. Because hepatitis A has a long incubation period, a vaccine given shortly before the trip can still provide protection against the disease.
Hepatitis B vaccine
The separate hepatitis B vaccine can be given when necessary even to newborn babies. The standard vaccination schedule consists of three doses at 0, 1 and 6 months. Three doses are required to develop good and long-lasting protection against hepatitis B.
Hepatitis B vaccine – accelerated schedule
If the risk of infection is considered high and there are less than six months before the trip, adults and people aged 16 and over can receive the hepatitis B vaccine according to an accelerated schedule. The accelerated schedule consists of vaccinations on days 0, 7 and 21, followed by a fourth dose after 12 months. After the fourth dose, the protection is long-lasting.
