Hepatitis A Vaccination

The hepatitis A vaccine is a preventive measure against hepatitis A, an infection that targets the liver. This disease is caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). If you plan to travel to high risk areas, it is essential to assess your risk and take appropriate precautions to safeguard your health.

We offer a wide range of travel vaccinations with locations across the UK. Whether you need vaccinations for travel purposes or for work, we are here to help you. We offer free travel consultations so you can travel safely and confidently.

£50 per dose

Suitable for ages 1+

Booster at 6-12 months

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Free Travel Consultations

Stay protected during your travels with our Travel Vaccination Consultation. Our expert medical team will guide you on essential vaccinations, helping prevent diseases uncommon in the UK. Learn how to minimise the risk of exposure and ensure a safe and healthy journey.

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Travel Vaccinations

Malaria Prophylaxis and Advice

Diptheria, Tetanus and Polio Vaccine

Hepatitis A Vaccine

Hepatitis B Vaccine

Typhoid Vaccine

Meningitis ACWY (MenACWY) Vaccine

Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine

Rabies Vaccine

Yellow Fever Vaccine

Tick Borne Encephalitis

Cholera Vaccine

What is Hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is a highly contagious virus that is typically not acquired in the UK. This virus primarily targets the liver, resulting in various symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, jaundice, dark-colored urine, fever, diarrhea, and nausea. It’s important to note that unlike other forms of hepatitis, such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis A does not lead to long-lasting liver damage or cirrhosis. However, in rare cases, Hepatitis A can progress to liver failure, which can be life-threatening, especially among older individuals.

How is Hepatitis A transmitted?

Hepatitis A is primarily transmitted through contaminated food and water, following what is known as the fecal-oral route. This means that individuals carrying the virus in their feces can contaminate food during preparation, mainly due to poor personal hygiene practices. Additionally, close intimate contact with an infected person can also lead to Hepatitis A transmission. Surprisingly, even consuming filter-feeding shellfish, such as mussels, that have been exposed to untreated sewage can result in acquiring the virus.

Am I at risk of Hepatitis A?

While Hepatitis A is rare among UK citizens within the country, it is endemic in many parts of the world, particularly in developing nations. Regions such as Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and South America pose a higher risk of Hepatitis A exposure. If you plan to travel to these areas or embark on long-term travel, it is essential to assess your risk and take appropriate precautions to safeguard your health.

It’s crucial to note that anyone who has not been vaccinated against Hepatitis A or has not recovered from a confirmed Hepatitis A infection is at risk of contracting the disease.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

Vaccination against Hepatitis A is strongly recommended as one of the best methods of preventing infection. The Hepatitis A vaccine is safe, effective, and provides long-lasting protection against this viral illness. It is suitable for both adults and children from one year old onwards.

The vaccine is administered as a course of two doses, separated by a minimum of six months. Once the full course is completed, you can expect at least 25 years of protection against Hepatitis A infection when traveling to countries where the disease is common. Significant antibody levels typically appear two to four weeks after the administration of the first dose, and the second dose at the six-month mark reinforces this immunity to provide long-lasting protection.

Potential Side Effects

Hepatitis A vaccines, such as Havrix Mono Dose, Vaqta, and Avaxim, are considered safe and effective, with adverse events being infrequent. These vaccines are inactivated, meaning they cannot cause the disease they aim to protect against. However, like any vaccine, there may be some mild side effects.

Common side effects may include soreness or redness at the injection site, mild fever, headache, or fatigue. These symptoms are usually temporary and should resolve within a few days. In most cases, managing them with over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol or applying a cold compress to reduce swelling at the injection site is sufficient.

How Long Does the Hepatitis A Vaccine Last?

Once the full course is completed, you can expect at least 25 years of protection against Hepatitis A infection when traveling to countries where the disease is common.

Other recommendations to prevent infection:

Prevention is always better than cure, and Hepatitis A infection is no exception. Vaccination is the most effective method to protect yourself from Hepatitis A prior to potential exposure. In addition to vaccination, adopting certain hygienic practices can significantly reduce the risk of infection by viruses and bacteria transmitted through the fecal-oral route. Here are some essential tips:

1. Safe Drinking Water

Ensure that the water you consume, even for brushing your teeth, is safe. Trusted sources of water include bottled water from reliable suppliers, boiled and cooled water, water treated with chlorine, or filtered and treated water.

2. Hygiene Practices

Regularly washing your hands is crucial, especially before eating food and after visiting the bathroom. Proper hand hygiene is a simple yet effective measure to prevent the spread of Hepatitis A and other infectious diseases.

3. Mindful Food and Drink Consumption

Be cautious about the food and beverages you consume. Ensure that your food is thoroughly cooked and piping hot before eating it, and avoid consuming ice in your drinks. Additionally, it is advisable to avoid salads and only eat fruits that require peeling, as these practices can minimize the risk of consuming contaminated food.