It depends on where you are going. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends hepatitis A virus (HAV) vaccination for many travelers who visit most tropical countries outside of the United States. Check out the travel recommendations on the CDC’s list of destinations.
Even if you travel in the United States you may want to be vaccinated for HAV. Recently, there have been hep A outbreaks in many parts of the country. Once vaccinated, you are protected against HAV for at least 20 years, perhaps much longer.
The hep A vaccine is given in two doses. Even if you don’t have time to get the second dose done before you leave, a single dose will likely protect you while you travel. Click here for more information about hep A vaccination.
