Travel vaccine
Children's Hepatitis A Vaccine
Children catch hepatitis A the same way adults do — from contaminated food, water or close contact — and it's one of the most common vaccine-preventable infections in young travellers. A junior dose of the vaccine, given from 1 year of age, protects children for family trips abroad.
Key facts
Who it's for
Children aged 1 to 15 travelling to affected regions (16+ have the adult vaccine)
Vaccination course
1 junior dose before travel; a booster 6–12 months later gives long-term cover
Minimum age
From 1 year
Protection
About 1 year after the first dose; long-term after the booster
When to have it
Ideally 2 weeks before travel — still worthwhile closer to departure
Price
£40 per junior dose
What is Children's Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver spread through food or water contaminated with the virus, or by close contact with someone who is infected. Children often pick it up more easily than adults — through food, shared meals and hand-to-mouth contact — and although the illness is usually milder in young children, they can pass it on readily to family members, in whom it tends to be more serious.
A children's (junior) dose of the hepatitis A vaccine is available for ages 1 to 15 and gives the same excellent protection as the adult vaccine. It's recommended for most children travelling to Africa, Asia, Central and South America and the Middle East — especially on family trips visiting relatives, where eating outside tourist areas is more likely.
Risk areas
The same regions as for adults: much of Africa, Asia, Central and South America, the Middle East and parts of Eastern Europe — anywhere sanitation and clean water can't be relied on. Children on family visits to friends and relatives are a particularly important group, as trips are often longer and meals are home-cooked rather than in tourist restaurants.
Risk for travellers
Any child eating and drinking in an affected area can be exposed. Risk is higher on longer stays, on visits to family, in rural areas, and for toddlers who put hands and objects in their mouths. Because infected children often show few symptoms, they can quietly pass the virus to parents and grandparents — protecting the children protects the whole family.
What are the symptoms of Children's Hepatitis A?
- Often few or no symptoms in young children
- Tiredness and going off food
- Fever and tummy upset
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) — less common in young children
- Dark urine and pale stools
How does the Children's Hepatitis A Vaccine work?
Children aged 1 to 15 have a junior (half-size) dose of the same trusted hepatitis A vaccine used for adults. One dose before travel protects for around a year, and a booster 6 to 12 months later extends protection long-term — the same schedule as the adult course. From age 16, the adult vaccine is used. Our pharmacist gives children's travel vaccines regularly and will make the visit as calm and quick as possible.
Book your appointment for Children's Hepatitis A Vaccine right now.
Adults (16+): see the adult Hepatitis A vaccine
£50 per dose — parents can be vaccinated at the same family appointment.
Which children should have the hepatitis A vaccine?
The vaccine is recommended for most children travelling to areas where hepatitis A is common. It's especially worth having if your child is:
- Travelling to Africa, Asia, Central or South America, or the Middle East
- Visiting friends and relatives abroad, or staying for several weeks
- Eating home-cooked or street food rather than only in tourist resorts
- A toddler — young children explore with their hands and mouths
The children's vaccination course
Children aged 1 to 15 receive a junior dose. One dose before travel gives good protection for around a year, and a booster dose 6 to 12 months later extends protection long-term — so most children only ever need two injections.
Babies under 1 can't yet have the vaccine. If you're travelling with an infant, book a consultation anyway — we'll talk through practical food, water and hygiene precautions for the trip, and plan the vaccine for when they turn one.
Possible side effects
Side effects in children are usually mild and settle within a day or two:
- A sore arm or leg where the injection was given
- Feeling tired or a little grumpy
- A mildly raised temperature or reduced appetite
- Serious reactions are very rare
Making the appointment easier for your child
A few simple things help the visit go smoothly:
- Book a family appointment — parents and children can be vaccinated in one visit
- Bring your child's Red Book or vaccination record if you have it
- Distraction works — a favourite toy or video during the injection helps
- Long sleeves that roll up easily make things quicker for younger children
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
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