Hepatitis A

When to book the hepatitis A vaccine

The hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for anyone travelling to a country where the infection is common, including parts of Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Central and South America and some of Eastern Europe. Also consider it if you:

• Are travelling to a high-risk area for work, volunteering or holiday
• Work somewhere you may be exposed, such as healthcare or sewage work
• Have a chronic liver condition, as hepatitis A can be more severe
• Are a man who has sex with men
• Use recreational drugs
• Have a blood clotting disorder such as haemophilia

Ideally get vaccinated at least two weeks before travel, though last-minute travellers still benefit, as protection begins within a few days.

What is hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is a viral liver infection, usually caught from food or water contaminated with the faeces of an infected person, or through close physical contact. Unlike hepatitis B and C it does not cause chronic liver disease, and most healthy adults recover fully within a couple of months, but the illness can be unpleasant and last several weeks. Rarely it causes severe liver failure, particularly in older adults or those with existing liver conditions.

Symptoms usually develop two to six weeks after infection:

• Tiredness and feeling generally unwell
• Joint and muscle pain
• A temperature of 38C or above
• Loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting
• Pain or tenderness in the upper right abdomen
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
• Dark urine and pale stools
• Itchy skin

Not everyone develops symptoms, and children often have a milder illness, but they can still pass the virus on. There is no specific treatment, so recovery relies on rest, hydration and managing symptoms.

How the vaccine works

The hepatitis A vaccine is an inactivated vaccine given as an injection into the upper arm. A single dose protects for around one year, and a booster six to twelve months later extends protection for up to 25 years. Combined vaccines are available covering hepatitis A and B, or hepatitis A and typhoid, which is convenient if you need several travel vaccines.

Side effects are usually mild and short-lived: soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site, headache, tiredness, mild fever or loss of appetite. Serious side effects are extremely rare.

Preventing hepatitis A while travelling

Alongside vaccination, drink only bottled or boiled water, avoid ice unless you know it is safe, choose freshly cooked food served piping hot, and avoid street food left at room temperature. Peel your own fruit, avoid salads washed in local water, and be cautious with shellfish, which can concentrate the virus. Wash your hands with soap before eating and after using the toilet, or use alcohol-based sanitiser.

Find hepatitis A vaccination near you

No GP referral needed, expert travel health consultations, combined hepatitis A/B and A/typhoid vaccines available, flexible appointments including evenings and weekends, and vaccination records for your travel documents. Use the postcode search above to find your nearest Allied Pharmacy.