The hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for anyone travelling to countries where hepatitis A is common, particularly destinations in South Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Central and South America, and parts of Eastern Europe. It is also recommended for certain at-risk groups in the UK who may not be travelling at all, including those with chronic liver disease, men who have sex with men, and individuals who work in settings where exposure to the virus is more likely. The vaccine is highly effective, with a single dose providing protection for around 12 months, and a second dose completing a course that is estimated to offer long-term, and likely lifelong, protection of 20 to 25 years or more. In short, if you are travelling to a region where hepatitis A is endemic, vaccination is one of the most important steps you can take before you go. At Stevenage Travel Clinic, our travel health team can assess your personal risk and advise on whether the hepatitis A vaccine is appropriate for your upcoming trip.
One conversation with our team could give you years of peace of mind. Book your consultation at Stevenage Travel Clinic today.
Key takeaways
- The hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for travellers heading to South Asia, Africa, the Middle East, parts of Latin America, and other regions where the disease is endemic.
- A single dose provides protection for around 12 months; a booster dose given 6 to 12 months later extends protection to an estimated 20 to 25 years or more.
- Hepatitis A is spread through contaminated food and water, making it a risk even for travellers staying in good quality accommodation who are careful with hygiene.
- Certain non-traveller groups are also eligible for hepatitis A vaccination, including people with chronic liver disease and men who have sex with men.
- The vaccine is safe, well-tolerated, and highly effective; it is one of the most commonly recommended travel vaccinations in the UK.
- A combined Hepatitis A and B vaccine (Twinrix) is available for those who need protection against both strains.
What is Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the liver. Unlike hepatitis B and C, it is not a chronic condition; most people recover fully within a few weeks to months. However, the illness can be severe and debilitating, and in rare cases, particularly in older adults and those with pre-existing liver conditions, it can lead to acute liver failure, which can be life-threatening.
The virus is transmitted through the faecal-oral route, meaning it spreads via contaminated food and water. Common sources of infection include raw or undercooked shellfish, salads, and produce washed in contaminated water, as well as water itself in areas with poor sanitation infrastructure. Person-to-person transmission is also possible through close contact.
Symptoms typically develop two to six weeks after exposure and include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, and abdominal pain. There is no specific antiviral treatment for hepatitis A; management is supportive, focusing on rest, hydration, and avoiding alcohol and medications that stress the liver. This makes prevention through vaccination all the more important.
Who is Most at Risk of Hepatitis A?
While hepatitis A can affect anyone who is exposed to the virus, some groups face a significantly higher risk and should consider vaccination as a priority. The table below outlines the key groups recommended for hepatitis A vaccination in the UK, along with the reasons for their elevated risk.
| Group | Reason for Recommendation | NHS or Private? |
|---|---|---|
| Travellers to endemic regions | Risk of exposure through contaminated food and water in high-prevalence countries. | Private (travel clinic) |
| People with chronic liver disease | Greater risk of severe illness and complications if infected. | NHS (via GP) |
| Men who have sex with men (MSM) | Increased risk of person-to-person transmission. | NHS (via GP or sexual health clinic) |
| People who inject drugs | Higher risk of exposure through shared equipment and close contact. | NHS (via GP or drug services) |
| Travellers visiting friends and relatives (VFR) | Higher exposure risk due to local food, accommodation, and close family contact. | Private (travel clinic) |
| Individuals with occupational risk | Workers in sewage, food handling, or healthcare settings with potential exposure. | NHS or occupational health |
Table 1: Groups recommended for hepatitis A vaccination in the UK. NHS eligibility depends on individual risk assessment. Speak to a GP or travel health practitioner for personalised advice.
Why Travellers Are at Particular Risk of Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is one of the most common vaccine-preventable illnesses affecting UK travellers, and its risk is not confined to budget travellers or those visiting rural or remote destinations. Even those staying in well-regarded hotels and exercising caution with food and drink can be exposed; the virus is hardy and can survive on surfaces and in food preparation environments despite superficially hygienic appearances.
High-risk travel destinations include the Indian subcontinent, sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, North Africa, parts of Southeast Asia, and Central and South America. Even some parts of Southern and Eastern Europe carry a higher hepatitis A risk than the UK. If your itinerary includes any of these regions, vaccination should be considered a standard part of your pre-travel preparation; not an optional extra.
Hepatitis A vaccination takes minutes and protects you for years. Contact us to book your consultation before your trip.
The Hepatitis A Vaccine: What to Expect
The hepatitis A vaccine is given as an injection, typically into the upper arm. A single dose provides protection within two to four weeks and is estimated to last around 12 months. A booster dose given 6 to 12 months later significantly extends this protection to an estimated 20 to 25 years or more; making it one of the longest-lasting travel vaccines available.
For those who also need protection against hepatitis B, a combined vaccine called Twinrix is available. This provides protection against both viruses in a single injection course, making it a convenient option for travellers who require both vaccines. The Twinrix course consists of three doses, given at 0, 1, and 6 months, though an accelerated schedule is available for those with less time before travel.
The hepatitis A vaccine is generally very well tolerated. The most commonly reported side effects are mild soreness or redness at the injection site, and occasionally a brief headache or low-grade fever. Serious adverse reactions are rare, and the vaccine has an excellent safety record with decades of widespread use.
How Soon Before Travel Should I Get Vaccinated?
Ideally, the hepatitis A vaccine should be given at least two weeks before departure to allow full protective immunity to develop. However, even a dose given closer to the date of travel can provide some level of protection, and it is still worth vaccinating even with limited time before your trip.
If you have previously received a hepatitis A vaccine but are unsure whether your protection is still current, a travel health consultation can review your records and advise whether a booster is needed. Those who received a single dose more than 12 months ago and have not yet had their booster may need one before travelling again to a risk area.
Whether you have two months or two weeks before departure, it is never too late to get protected. Call us to book your hepatitis A vaccination today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to the questions we are most commonly asked about the hepatitis A vaccine.
Is the hepatitis A vaccine available free on the NHS?
The hepatitis A vaccine is available free on the NHS for certain at-risk groups, including people with chronic liver disease, men who have sex with men, and those working in specific high-risk occupations. For travellers, the vaccine is generally not available free through the NHS and would need to be obtained privately through a GP or travel clinic.
How long does hepatitis A vaccine protection last?
A single dose of the hepatitis A vaccine provides protection for approximately 12 months, while a booster dose given 6 to 12 months later extends this to an estimated 20 to 25 years or more. For most travellers who complete the two-dose course, protection is considered long-term and a further booster is not routinely recommended.
Can I get the hepatitis A and B vaccines at the same time?
Yes, both vaccines can be given simultaneously, either as separate injections or as a combined Twinrix vaccine, which protects against both hepatitis A and B in a single course. Your travel health practitioner will advise on whether the combined vaccine is appropriate based on your vaccination history and travel plans.
Is the hepatitis A vaccine safe during pregnancy?
The hepatitis A vaccine is an inactivated vaccine, meaning it does not contain live virus, and is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy when the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks of potential exposure. Pregnant women who need to travel to high-risk destinations should discuss vaccination with their GP or travel health practitioner before making a decision.
Do I need the hepatitis A vaccine if I've had it before?
If you have completed the full two-dose hepatitis A course, you are considered to have long-term protection and are unlikely to need a booster for travel purposes. If you only received a single dose in the past and have not had the booster, you should check with a travel health practitioner whether a booster is due before your next trip to an at-risk destination.
What are the symptoms of hepatitis A?
Symptoms of hepatitis A typically appear two to six weeks after exposure and include nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, abdominal discomfort, and jaundice; a yellowing of the skin and eyes. Most people recover fully within a few weeks to months, though older adults and those with underlying liver conditions may experience more severe illness.
Protect Yourself From Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is one of the most straightforward travel health risks to prevent; a safe, highly effective vaccine is available, it requires just two doses for long-term protection, and it can be administered quickly and conveniently at a travel clinic. For most travellers heading to endemic regions, there is little reason not to be vaccinated, and every reason to make it a priority before departure.
At Stevenage Travel Clinic, our experienced travel health team will assess your itinerary and health history to confirm whether the hepatitis A vaccine is right for you, advise on timing, and administer the vaccine as part of a comprehensive pre-travel consultation. Don't let a preventable illness disrupt your trip or your health in the weeks after you return.
Two doses. Years of protection. Book your consultation at Stevenage Travel Clinic today.
