Your one stop Vaccination Clinic

Hepatitis A Vaccine

Hepatitis A Vaccine

Hepatitis A is an infection of the liver. Symptoms are generally mild but increase in severity with age. The virus is spread via the faecal-oral route via contaminated food or close person to person contact.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a viral infection that affects the liver and is spread through contaminated food or water, particularly in areas with poor sanitation. While often mild, it can cause significant illness and serious complications, especially in those with existing liver conditions. Certain travellers are at higher risk and should consider vaccination. These include people staying with local populations, frequent or long-term visitors to regions with poor hygiene, and individuals with liver disease or haemophilia. Other at-risk groups include men who have sex with men, injecting drug users, and those working in high-exposure settings. Travellers heading to outbreak areas with limited access to clean water or medical care are especially advised to protect themselves.

Vaccination Pricing

£62.50 Per dose
£62.50 Per Course

Signs & Symptoms

Symptoms are often mild or absent in young children, but the disease becomes more serious with advancing age. Recovery can vary from weeks to months. Following hepatitis A illness, immunity is lifelong.

Symptoms include:

  • Children are normally asymptomatic

  • Jaundice may occur in 70-80% of cases

  • Malaise

  • Nausea

  • Loss of appetite

Evans Pharmacy & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01684 575 216

Email: malverntravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

malverntravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

231 Worcester Road, Malvern, WR14 1SU

Claines Pharmacy & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01905 453 703

Email: worcestertravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

worcesterravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

153 Ombersley Road, Worcester, WR3 7BX

The Vaccination – Hepatitis A vaccine

Ages (Years) Doses Required Schedule Time before travel Boost required at
2-16 1 (paed) – 2 weeks preferably but anytime ok* 6-12 months after 1st dose
16 – 85 1 – 2 weeks preferably but anytime ok* 6-12 months after 1st dose

Hepatits A & Hepatitis B Combined vaccine

Ages (Years) Doses Required Schedule Time before travel Boost required at
16-85 3 to 4 0, 7, 21 days, + at 1 year** Up to day before* See specialist pharmacist

*Vaccine most effective when given plenty of time to develop immunity. Some immunity will be present if the vaccine is given up to the day before travel.

**accelerated schedule. Full protection not given until final dose at 1 year. Will give adequate protection if leaving sooner.

Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). It is one of several types of viral hepatitis, but unlike hepatitis B and C, hepatitis A does not cause chronic liver disease. The virus typically leads to an acute (short-term) infection and in most cases resolves on its own within a few weeks to months. However, the infection can be more severe in older adults or those with pre-existing liver conditions. Hepatitis A is known for causing inflammation of the liver, which can affect the organ’s ability to function properly. The disease is prevalent in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water, and outbreaks can occur quickly in such settings. While it is not usually life-threatening, severe complications can arise, including liver failure in rare cases, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems. The infection is vaccine-preventable, and vaccination is considered the most effective way to protect against it.

 

Hepatitis A spreads primarily through the faecal-oral route, meaning the virus is present in the stool of infected individuals and can be transmitted when others ingest contaminated food or water. It can also spread through close personal contact, such as living with an infected person, or via sexual contact, particularly in men who have sex with men. Outbreaks are often linked to poor hygiene, inadequate handwashing, and unsanitary food handling practices. In developing regions, it is commonly contracted through the consumption of uncooked or undercooked foods and untreated water. Prevention focuses on improving hygiene, particularly thorough handwashing with soap and clean water after using the toilet and before eating or preparing food. Vaccination offers long-term protection and is especially recommended for travellers to high-risk areas, healthcare workers, and people with chronic liver diseases. Additionally, ensuring safe drinking water, proper sewage disposal, and public health education all play vital roles in reducing the spread of hepatitis A

The hepatitis A vaccine provides long-lasting protection against the virus. It is typically administered as a two-dose schedule, with the second dose given six to twelve months after the first. Following completion of the full course, the immunity is believed to last for at least 20 years, and in many cases, lifelong protection is expected. Some studies suggest that even a single dose can offer substantial protection for up to a decade or more, although the second dose ensures more robust and enduring immunity. The vaccine is highly effective, with over 95% of individuals developing protective antibodies within a month after the first dose. Booster doses are not routinely recommended for most people, although individuals at continuous risk of exposure, such as laboratory workers or those travelling frequently to endemic areas, may be advised to discuss their ongoing protection with a healthcare professional.

The symptoms of hepatitis A typically appear between two to six weeks after exposure to the virus. They often begin suddenly and can range from mild to severe. Common symptoms include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort (particularly in the upper right quadrant where the liver is located), loss of appetite, low-grade fever, and dark-coloured urine. Some individuals also develop jaundice – a yellowing of the skin and eyes – which indicates liver involvement. The stools may become pale or clay-coloured, and some people experience joint pain or generalised itchiness. While children under the age of six often show few or no symptoms, adults are more likely to experience noticeable illness. In most cases, the symptoms gradually resolve over several weeks, but full recovery may take several months. Though uncommon, severe hepatitis A can lead to acute liver failure, particularly in the elderly or those with existing liver issues, necessitating urgent medical care.

The hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for travellers visiting countries where the virus is common, particularly in parts of Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Central and South America, and Eastern Europe. Countries with poor sanitation, unsafe drinking water, and limited access to healthcare pose a higher risk. For example, popular holiday destinations such as India, Thailand, Egypt, Morocco, Mexico, Turkey, and parts of the Caribbean often see endemic transmission of the virus. Even in regions with improving infrastructure, isolated outbreaks can occur, and food safety may still be an issue in rural or less developed areas. The NHS and travel health professionals typically advise the hepatitis A vaccine for individuals planning extended stays, backpacking, or visiting friends and relatives in high-risk countries, especially if they will be eating street food or staying in local accommodations where sanitation may not be optimal.

Like most vaccines, the hepatitis A vaccine is generally safe and well-tolerated, with side effects usually being mild and short-lived. Common side effects include pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site, which typically resolves within a day or two. Some individuals may experience mild fever, fatigue, headache, or general discomfort. Occasionally, people report gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea or loss of appetite. Serious side effects are rare but can include allergic reactions, such as rash, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face and throat – symptoms that require immediate medical attention. Most side effects indicate that the body is building immunity and do not pose a long-term health concern. As with all vaccinations, healthcare providers assess the risks and benefits before administration, and individuals with a known allergy to any component of the vaccine should avoid it. Pregnant women and people with certain medical conditions should consult their GP before vaccination to ensure it is appropriate.

Use the map below to identify areas of risk for travel.

Simply call the clinic of your choice or send us an email enquiry, and our travel specialists will get back to you as soon as possible.

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