This article was first published in 2013. Travel health advice, vaccine recommendations and entry requirements change over time, so check our latest guides below or speak with a TMA travel doctor before you travel.
Key points
- Hepatitis A spreads through contaminated food and water, and is recommended for travellers aged 1 year and over to countries where it is common.
- Hepatitis A vaccine is given as two doses, six months apart.
- Hepatitis B spreads through blood and body fluids. Many adults who missed childhood vaccination can still catch up.
- Ask your doctor to check your hepatitis vaccination history before you travel.
Reviewed and updated November 2026.
Viral Hepatitis
A recent major conference in New Zealand has released a statement on this significant disease and its impact for the Australian and New Zealand populations. By world standards we are low risk for viral hepatitis HOWEVER about half a million people are living with the consequences of the disease in the two above mentioned countries and fifty new cases diagnosed every day. So while it is important to consider hepatitis vaccination for travel, it's also important to consider without intent to travel. The vaccine is affordable and well established. All Australian children are offered a childhood vaccination program for hepatitis B but there are a lot of adults who need to catch up.
Getting Hepatitis B vaccinations and still smiling.
The Auckland Statement is an urgent call to action for our governments and the community at large to come together and curb avoidable deaths caused by viral hepatitis -- including through setting targets for reducing transmission, increasing testing, and enhancing access to specific treatments. More info.
... Written by Dr John Kenafake, Sunshine Coast TMA
Frequently asked questions
How many doses of hepatitis A vaccine do I need?
Two doses, six months apart, according to Healthdirect. One dose before travel gives good short-term protection.
Do adults need the hepatitis B vaccine?
Adults who were not vaccinated as children may benefit, especially before travel. Talk to your doctor.
Sources
Related travel health guides
Planning a trip? A TMA travel doctor can tailor your vaccines and travel health advice to your itinerary.