What is the Hepatitis A Vaccine?
A vaccination is the best way to prevent Hepatitis A. Hepatitis A is a liver infection that spreads into the poo of those infected.
This vaccine is offered as part of our Travel Health Clinic service, as this infection is more common in areas such as Africa, Asia, the Middle East, South and Central America. It is recommended that people travelling to these parts of the world have a vaccine for protection against hepatitis A.
What does the vaccine protect me from?
This vaccine is needed for individuals who are at a high risk of catching or being seriously ill from this infection. In addition to those travelling to high-risk areas, other reasons you may need a vaccine are:
If you've been in close physical contact with someone infected with hepatitis A
If you have long-term liver disease
If you have a blood-clotting disorder such as haemophilia
If you’re a man and are having sex with another man
If you’re a healthcare or sewage worker, or in another profession that places you at high risk of hepatitis A
There are many symptoms of hepatitis A that the vaccine can protect you from. As well as reducing the severity of the illness (if exposed), the vaccine also allows you to travel safely and enjoy your trip away with peace of mind.
What are the symptoms of hepatitis A?
The symptoms of hepatitis A include:
A high temperature
Flu like symptoms like tiredness, muscle pain and headaches
Nausea or vomiting
Pain in your upper tummy
Diarrhoea or constipation
Pale yellow or pale grey poo
Dark brown pee
Itchy skin
Yellowing of the skin and in the whites of your eyes
Who can get the Hepatitis A vaccine?
This vaccine is available as a private service to anyone of any age. We would recommend calling your local Allied Pharmacy offering this service in advance to check for availability and when you need the vaccine, before your arranged trip.
