Hepatitis A Vaccination
The hepatitis A vaccine protects against a viral liver infection spread through contaminated food and water. It is recommended for travellers to many parts of the world.
£50 per dose — 2 dose course
Who it is for
Travellers to areas where hepatitis A is common and people with certain liver conditions or occupational risk
Number of doses
2 doses (a first dose followed by a booster 6 to 12 months later)
When to have it
At least 2 weeks before travel where possible
How long protection lasts
Around 1 year after the first dose, and up to about 25 years once the booster is given
How it is given
A single injection into the upper arm
Price
£50 per dose
Quick answer
The hepatitis A vaccine protects against a viral liver infection spread through contaminated food and water, and is recommended for travellers to many parts of Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America. A first dose gives good protection, with a booster extending it for years. The hepatitis A vaccine is available at Crewe Travel Clinic in Crewe, Cheshire.
About Hepatitis A Vaccination
Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver that is usually caught by eating food or drinking water contaminated with the virus, often through poor sanitation or hygiene. It can cause symptoms such as fever, tiredness, nausea, tummy pain and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), and although most people recover fully, the illness can last several weeks and is more serious in older adults.
The hepatitis A vaccine is an inactivated vaccine that gives reliable protection against the virus. A first dose protects for around a year, and a booster dose given 6 to 12 months later extends protection for many years.
Vaccination is recommended for travellers to areas where hepatitis A is common, alongside good food and water hygiene. At Crewe Travel Clinic we can provide both the initial dose and the booster, and advise on the right timing for your trip.
Timing
At least 2 weeks before travel
A single dose given around two weeks before departure provides good protection, with a booster 6 to 12 months later for long-term cover.
Effectiveness
Highly effective
The hepatitis A vaccine provides very reliable protection against the virus after the first dose, with the booster extending this for years.
Duration
Up to 25 years after booster
A first dose protects for around a year, while completing the two-dose course can provide protection for up to around 25 years.
Signs & symptoms
- Fever and a general feeling of being unwell
- Tiredness and aching muscles or joints
- Loss of appetite, nausea and tummy pain
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)
- Dark urine and pale stools
- Itchy skin
Who should consider this vaccine?
The hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for travellers to regions where the virus is common, particularly those visiting rural areas, staying in places with limited sanitation, or eating and drinking outside controlled tourist settings. It is also advised for people with certain liver conditions and some occupational groups. Vaccination together with careful food and water hygiene offers the best protection.
High Risk Areas
Traveller Risk Factors
Who should have this vaccine
The hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for travellers to parts of the world where the virus is common, including much of Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Central and South America and parts of Eastern Europe. Risk is higher for those visiting rural areas, staying somewhere with limited sanitation, on longer trips, or eating and drinking outside controlled tourist settings. Vaccination may also be advised for certain medical and occupational groups regardless of travel.
- Travellers to regions where sanitation and food or water hygiene cannot be assured
- Backpackers, long-stay travellers and people visiting friends and relatives
- People with chronic liver disease, who are at greater risk of severe illness
- Some occupational groups, such as certain laboratory or sewage workers
The vaccination course
Hepatitis A vaccine is an inactivated vaccine given as a single injection, usually into the upper arm. A first dose given at least 2 weeks before departure provides good protection in time for most trips. A second (booster) dose is then recommended 6 to 12 months later to complete the course and extend protection for many years.
- First dose ideally at least 2 weeks before travel
- Booster dose 6 to 12 months after the first dose
- Combined hepatitis A and B or hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines may be suitable for some travellers
- Our team can advise on the right schedule for your departure date
How long does protection last
A single dose of hepatitis A vaccine gives reliable protection for around a year. Once the booster dose is completed, protection is thought to last for up to around 25 years, so most people who have had the full two-dose course do not need further doses for travel.
- Around 1 year of protection after the first dose
- Up to about 25 years after the booster dose
- Good food and water hygiene remains important even after vaccination
Possible side effects
Side effects from the hepatitis A vaccine are usually mild and short-lived. The most common are soreness, redness or swelling where the injection was given. Some people may also feel generally unwell for a day or two. Serious reactions are rare. If you have any concerns after vaccination, you can speak to our team or contact NHS 111.
- Soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site
- Tiredness, mild headache or aching muscles
- A mild raised temperature or feeling generally unwell
- Symptoms usually settle within a day or two