Hepatitis A Vaccination

What is Hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is a viral liver infection spread through contaminated food and water. It is common across much of Africa, Asia, Central and South America, Eastern Europe and the Middle East, including popular tourist destinations such as Egypt, India, Turkey, Thailand, Morocco and Mexico.

Symptoms include jaundice, nausea, fatigue and abdominal pain. While most people recover fully, the illness can be severe and debilitating, lasting weeks or months. Vaccination is the most effective protection available and is strongly recommended for travel to most parts of the world outside Northern Europe, North America and Australia.

Who needs the Hepatitis A vaccine?

The Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for:

• Anyone travelling to Africa, Asia, Central or South America, Eastern Europe or the Middle East
• Travellers staying in budget accommodation, eating street food or visiting rural areas
• People travelling to visit friends or family in high-risk countries
• Anyone with chronic liver disease, regardless of destination

What to expect

The vaccine is given as a single injection into the upper arm. It provides protection from approximately two weeks after the first dose. A booster dose given 6 to 12 months later provides protection for at least 25 years.

There is also a combined Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccine available as a single injection, ideal if you need both, which is common for travel to South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Southeast Asia.

Is there any downtime?

The injection takes only a few minutes. Some people experience mild soreness at the injection site for a day or two, and occasionally a low-grade temperature. You can return to normal activities immediately.