Travel vaccine

Hepatitis A Vaccine

Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver, caught from food or water contaminated with the virus. It's one of the most common vaccine-preventable infections in travellers, and a simple course of vaccine gives excellent, long-lasting protection.

Book this vaccine From £50 per dose

Key facts

Who it's for

Most travellers outside Western Europe, North America, Japan and Australasia

Vaccination course

1 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; up to ~25 years after the booster

When to have it

Ideally 2 weeks before travel — but still worthwhile closer to departure

How it spreads

Contaminated food and water

Overview

Hepatitis A is caused by a virus that is passed on through the faecal–oral route — usually by eating food or drinking water contaminated with the virus, or through close contact with someone who is infected. Shellfish, salads, ice and untreated water are common sources in areas with poorer sanitation.

Symptoms are often mild or absent in young children but tend to be more serious with increasing age, and can include several weeks or months of fever, tiredness, tummy upset and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). Most people make a full recovery and are then immune for life. The vaccine is highly effective and recommended for the great majority of travellers to affected regions.

Risk areas

Hepatitis A occurs throughout much of the world, with higher risk across Africa, Asia, Central and South America, the Middle East and parts of Eastern Europe. Risk is greatest where sanitation and clean water supplies are limited, but the virus can be picked up even on short stays and in good-quality accommodation.

Risk for travellers

Anyone eating and drinking in an affected area can be exposed, so vaccination is advised for most travellers to these regions. Risk is higher on longer trips, when visiting friends and relatives, in rural areas, and when eating outside the main tourist resorts. Good food and water hygiene reduces — but does not remove — the risk, which is why vaccination is recommended alongside it.

Signs & symptoms

Tiredness and a general feeling of being unwell
Fever
Loss of appetite, nausea and tummy discomfort
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes)
Dark urine and pale stools
Itchy skin

Vaccine details

The hepatitis A vaccine is safe, well tolerated and very effective. A single dose protects most people for around a year, and a second dose given 6 to 12 months later extends protection for up to about 25 years. Combined vaccines that also cover hepatitis B or typhoid are available and can save you an injection — we'll advise on the best option for your trip at your appointment.

Book your appointment for Hepatitis A Vaccine right now.

Book vaccine @ £50 per dose

Who should have the hepatitis A vaccine?

Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for most travellers to areas where the infection occurs. It's especially worth having if you are:

Travelling to Africa, Asia, Central or South America, or the Middle East
Visiting friends and relatives, or staying for a longer period
Travelling to rural areas or eating outside main tourist resorts
Someone with a long-term liver condition or other reason for increased risk

The vaccination course

A single dose is given before travel and provides good protection for around a year. A booster dose 6 to 12 months later extends this to around 25 years — long-term protection for most travellers. How long it actually lasts varies from person to person, and not everyone produces the same antibody response.

The vaccine works best when given ahead of travel, but it is still worth having even if you're leaving soon. We'll confirm the right schedule and any combined-vaccine options at your appointment.