Hepatitis A Vaccination

Hepatitis A is a viral infection spread through contaminated food and water, which causes inflammation of the liver. According to the World Health Organisation, there are an estimated 1.5 million new cases of illness due to Hepatitis A each year worldwide.

Travel Vaccinations
Per Dose
Course
Hepatitis A - Adult
£79 per dose
1 Dose
Book Now
Hepatitis A - Paediatric (call to reserve)
£80 per dose
1 Dose
Book Now
Hepatitis A & B - Adult
£89 per dose
3 Doses
Book Now
Hepatitis A & B - Paediatric (call to reserve)
£82 per dose
2-3 Doses
Book Now

Prevention

Hepatitis A is a vaccine-preventable disease. Travellers to areas at risk may be recommended one of the following vaccination courses:

  • A single course injection to cover against Hepatitis A
  • A course of three injections to cover against Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B
  • A single dose to cover against Hepatitis A and Typhoid fever

A single injection followed by a booster can provide long-term protection. Ideally, travellers need to be vaccinated at least two weeks before travel. The initial injection will offer short-term protection for a single trip, while a booster will provide long-term cover and should preferably be taken within 6-12 months of the first vaccine.

Countries at risk

Hepatitis A occurs worldwide but is most commonly found in parts of Africa, Asia (see Central, South East and East), Central and South America, and it is most prevalent in areas with poor sanitation.

For most travellers, exposure to Hepatitis A comes from eating contaminated food or water. Contamination can also be passed from person to person via poor hygiene.

Travel Precautions

When travelling only drink water either from a sealed bottle or a source that you are sure has been treated by filtration tablets or boiling. Avoid ice from unknown water sources. Avoid uncooked food and only eat fruit that can be peeled. Ensure that food is freshly cooked and served hot. Use common sense around personal hygiene and hand washing.

Signs and Symptoms

It can take up to two weeks for any signs or symptoms develop and the severity of the virus ranges; in young children, infection may show mild or no symptoms, but it can be a serious illness in older people. Common signs and symptoms of Hepatitis A include: fever, muscular aches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, weight loss, abdominal pain and yellow discolouration of the skin and eyes.

FAQ's

When traveling to regions with a high prevalence of hepatitis A, including South Asia (specifically Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan), Sub-Saharan and North Africa, certain parts of the Far East (excluding Japan), South and Central America, and the Middle East, it is crucial to take appropriate precautions.

The hepatitis A vaccine is renowned for its long-lasting immunity. After receiving the two-dose series, most individuals maintain immunity for 20 years or more. Research indicates that protection may even extend to a lifetime. This prolonged immunity makes the hepatitis A vaccine an essential preventive measure, particularly for travellers to endemic regions.

The standard hepatitis A vaccination schedule consists of two doses, usually given 6 months apart. After completing the initial series, a booster is not routinely needed, as the two doses offer long-term protection. This straightforward schedule is the same regardless of the vaccine brand, simplifying it for patients to understand and adhere to.

The risk of hepatitis A is higher in many parts of the world, particularly in regions with poor sanitation or high prevalence of the virus. This includes areas in Africa, Central and South America, Eastern Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Travellers to these regions are strongly advised to get vaccinated against hepatitis A for preventive health.

Each dose of the hepatitis A vaccine costs £79. Initially, there is an additional appointment fee of £20. However, for the second dose, only the £79 vaccine cost applies.