National Coordination Center for Travelers Health Advice, Nieuwe Achtergracht 100, 1018 WT Amsterdam, The Netherlands. gsonder@ggd.amsterdam.nl
An increasing number of travelers travel to hepatitis B-endemic countries. In travel medicine, vaccinations should be advised according to risks. The actual incidence of hepatitis B infection in short-term tourists is very low and probably not higher than it is for people who do not travel. There is evidence that long-term travelers and immigrants originating from hepatitis B-endemic countries are at higher risk of infection and they should always be offered vaccination. For all other travelers living in countries with universal hepatitis B vaccination, vaccination could be advised as a catch-up strategy.