Hepatitis A + B vaccination strategy for seafarers

Hepatitis A + B are among the most preventable serious diseases seafarers face. Vaccine strategy + timing before joining a first tropical trade contract.

Hepatitis A is acquired through contaminated food/water — extremely common in tropical port food markets. Hepatitis B is acquired through blood + body fluid exposure — relevant in medical emergencies + certain personal-contact scenarios. Both are entirely preventable with vaccines; both cause serious multi-month illness if acquired. Many manning agencies require Hep A + B proof of vaccination as a pre-employment condition.

Practical steps

• Hep A (2-dose primary; 25-year protection): first dose ≥2 weeks before first tropical port; second dose 6-12 months later.
• Hep B (3-dose primary; lifetime protection): full course takes 6 months; started ideally before first joining.
• Combined Twinrix (Hep A + B) available as a single-vaccine schedule (0/1/6 months).
• Blood-antibody test 4-8 weeks after final dose confirms immunity; some workplaces require this.
• Hep A booster after 25 years; Hep B lifelong protection after full course.

When to escalate

• Jaundice (yellow skin/eyes), dark urine, RUQ pain, fatigue after any tropical port call — suspected Hep A/B; TMAS consultation immediate.
• Needlestick injury or blood/body-fluid exposure — Hep B immunoglobulin + accelerated vaccination within 72 hours if not fully vaccinated.
• Positive Hep B surface antigen on routine screening — chronic Hep B; specialist hepatologist referral.

Last verified 3 months ago