Hepatitis A Vaccine

What is the Hepatitis A Vaccine?

The Hepatitis A vaccine helps protect against Hepatitis A, a viral infection that affects the liver and is commonly found in many parts of the world where sanitation and hygiene standards may be poor.

Hepatitis A is usually spread through contaminated food and water or close contact with an infected person. Symptoms can range from mild illness to severe liver inflammation and may include fever, fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, and jaundice.

Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect against Hepatitis A when travelling to areas where the infection is more common.

The Hepatitis A vaccine is available following a travel health consultation with our qualified travel health team.

It is suitable for both adults and children.

What Does the Hepatitis A Vaccine Protect Against?

The Hepatitis A vaccine protects against Hepatitis A, a viral infection that causes inflammation of the liver.

The virus is commonly spread through:

• Contaminated food or water
• Poor sanitation and hygiene
• Close contact with an infected person
• Consuming food prepared by an infected individual
• travelling in areas where hepatitis A is common

Risk levels vary depending on:

• Your destination
• Length of travel
• type of accommodation
• Planned activities

our clinicians will assess your itinerary and advise whether vaccination is recommended.

Who Should Consider the Hepatitis A Vaccine?

The vaccine may be recommended for:

• Travellers visiting countries where Hepatitis A is common
• Backpackers and long-term travellers
• People visiting friends and relatives overseas
• Humanitarian aid workers and volunteers
• Business travellers
• Adventure travellers
• Individuals with certain underlying liver conditions

Recommendations vary according to destination and individual risk factors.

Who May Not Be Suitable?

This vaccine may not be suitable if you:

• Have previously experienced a severe allergic reaction to the vaccine or any of its ingredients
• Are currently unwell with a high temperature
• Have certain medical conditions affecting the immune system

Our clinicians will review your medical history before vaccination.

Vaccination Schedule

The Hepatitis A vaccine is usually given as a two-dose course.

Standard Schedule

The standard course consists of two doses:

• Dose 1: Chosen start date
• Dose 2: 6 to 12 months after the first dose (depending on vaccine brand)

One dose provides good short-term protection for most travellers, while the second dose provides long-term protection.

Accelerated Schedule

There is no licensed accelerated schedule for single-antigen Hepatitis A vaccines. However, protection begins to develop approximately 2 weeks after the first dose, and many travellers will achieve good protection after a single dose before departure.

Ideally, travellers should receive the first dose at least 2 weeks before departure to allow adequate time for immunity to develop.

However, if you are travelling sooner, vaccination may still be beneficial:

• Travelling in 2 weeks or more: Excellent protection is expected for most travellers.
• Travelling in less than 2 weeks: Vaccination may still provide valuable protection and is often recommended.
• Last-minute travel: Our travel health team can advise whether vaccination remains appropriate based on your destination and individual risk factors.

For the best possible protection, the first dose should be given as early as possible before travel.

Benefits of the Hepatitis A Vaccine

• Helps protect against Hepatitis A infection
• Reduces the risk of travel-related illness
• Recommended for many international destinations
• Suitable for adults and children
• Provides long-term protection following completion of the course
• Administered by trained healthcare professionals
• Travel Health Advice
• Vaccination should be combined with sensible travel health precautions.
• Additional measures include:
• Practising good food and water hygiene
• Drinking safe bottled or treated water where appropriate
• Avoiding raw or undercooked foods in higher-risk destinations
• Washing hands regularly
• Following local health advice

Possible side effects

Like all vaccines, the Hepatitis A vaccine can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.

Common side effects may include:

• Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
• Mild fever
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite

These side effects are usually mild and resolve within a few days.

Always read the Patient Information Leaflet provided at your appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long before travel should I get vaccinated?

Ideally, you should receive the first dose at least 2 weeks before travel. However, vaccination may still be beneficial even for last-minute travellers.

How long does protection last?

A single dose provides short-term protection. Completing the two-dose course can provide protection for at least 25 years and is often considered lifelong in healthy individuals.

Can I have this vaccine with other travel vaccines?

Yes. In most cases, the Hepatitis A vaccine can be administered alongside other recommended travel vaccinations.

Do I need the vaccine for my destination?

Requirements vary depending on your destination, length of stay, and planned activities. Our travel health team will provide personalised advice during your consultation.

Are there any side effects?

Most side effects are mild and temporary, such as soreness at the injection site, headache, fatigue, or mild flu-like symptoms.