Reviewed by a GPhC-registered Pharmacist at Newdays Pharmacy Quick Answer: Hepatitis A is a viral liver infection spread through contaminated food and water. It is present across much of the developing world, including popular holiday destinations in Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, and parts of Eastern Europe. Vaccination is strongly recommended for virtually all international travellers outside Northern and Western Europe, North America, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. A single dose provides protection for at least twelve months; two doses provide lifelong immunity for most people.
What Is Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV), which is transmitted primarily via the faecal-oral route: through ingesting food or water that has been contaminated with the faeces of an infected person. Shellfish harvested from contaminated water, raw or undercooked food, and food handled by an infected person who has not washed their hands are common sources. Symptoms include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes), dark urine, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite. Most people make a full recovery, but illness can be prolonged and debilitating. Severe complications and death are uncommon but more likely in older adults, those with pre-existing liver disease, and those with weakened immune systems. Importantly, there is no specific antiviral treatment for hepatitis A. Rest and supportive care are the only management options once infected, making prevention through vaccination critically important.Where Is Hepatitis A a Risk for UK Travellers?
Hepatitis A risk is significantly elevated in most of the world outside Northern and Western Europe, North America, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. High-risk destinations include:- South Asia: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka
- Southeast Asia: Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, the Philippines
- North Africa: Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria
- The Middle East: Including Turkey, Egypt, and the Gulf states
- Central and South America
- Parts of Eastern Europe and Central Asia
The Hepatitis A Vaccines Available in the UK
Single-Antigen Hepatitis A Vaccines (Havrix, Avaxim, Epaxal)
Single-antigen Hepatitis A vaccines are inactivated whole-virus vaccines. A single dose provides protection for at least twelve months. A booster given between six and twelve months after the first dose extends protection for approximately twenty to twenty-five years, and likely for life.Combined Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B Vaccine (Twinrix)
Twinrix combines Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B antigens in a single injection. It is useful for travellers who need protection against both viruses. The primary course is three doses: at zero, one, and six months. An accelerated schedule (zero, seven, and twenty-one days, with a booster at twelve months) is available for travellers with limited time before departure.Combined Hepatitis A and Typhoid Vaccine (Hepatyrix, ViATIM)
As both Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines are recommended for the same destinations, the combined vaccine reduces the number of injections required. It provides protection equivalent to the individual vaccines. It is a single injection and is one of the most popular travel vaccine combinations at Newdays Pharmacy.How Long Before Travel Should I Have the Hepatitis A Vaccine?
Ideally at least two weeks before departure to allow full immunity to develop. However, hepatitis A vaccination provides rapid and highly effective protection. Even if administered on the day of departure, it will provide meaningful protection quickly given the short incubation period of the virus (fifteen to fifty days). If you are travelling at short notice, vaccination is strongly recommended even immediately before departure.Is Hepatitis A Vaccination Available on the NHS for Travel?
Hepatitis A vaccination is not routinely available on the NHS for travel purposes. It is provided as a private travel health service at most travel clinics, including Newdays Pharmacy. The Hepatitis A vaccine is, however, available on the NHS for specific risk groups including people with chronic liver disease, people with haemophilia, men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, and individuals travelling to care for close contacts diagnosed with hepatitis A. Speak to your pharmacist about NHS eligibility.Hepatitis A Vaccination at Newdays Pharmacy
Newdays Pharmacy provides Hepatitis A vaccination and combined Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccination at our travel clinic branches in Eton (Windsor) and Twyford. Our pharmacists provide a comprehensive pre-travel consultation covering all relevant vaccines and health precautions for your destination. Book Now: Book Your Hepatitis A Vaccine Appointment Clinical Disclaimer: This article is intended for general information only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any treatment or medication. Information is accurate as of the date of publication and reviewed by a GPhC-registered pharmacist. Newdays Pharmacy is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).Frequently Asked Questions
The inactivated Hepatitis A vaccine is considered safe in pregnancy. The benefit of protecting against hepatitis A infection, which can cause serious illness in pregnancy, generally outweighs the theoretical risk of vaccination. Discuss with your clinician or pharmacist.
The injection is given into the upper arm muscle and is generally well tolerated. Mild soreness at the injection site and occasionally a low-grade headache or fatigue are the most common reactions. These typically resolve within a day or two.
If you received a primary dose followed by a booster dose (given six to twelve months later), you are likely protected for life and no further doses are required for most travellers. If you only had a single dose without a booster, an additional dose will extend your protection. Check your vaccination records and speak to your pharmacist.