Hepatitis A Vaccine

Hepatitis A is a virus affecting the liver. It usually spreads through contaminated food or water. Unlike other forms of hepatitis, A cannot become a chronic infection.

Symptoms often appear two to six weeks after exposure. This means a traveller can visit a country and return not knowing they’re infected.

Some common hepatitis A symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Low Appetite
• Stomach Pain and Nausea
• Jaundice

These will persist for a few weeks, severe cases can last months. Death is rare.

Contaminated food or water is the most common source of hepatitis A infection. Contamination can happen at any point in the food growing, processing or cooking process. Travellers are at an increased risk. Take extra precautions in developing countries with poor sanitary conditions.

It is possible for the disease to spread through close contact with an infected person. This includes sex or caring for an infected person.

Vaccination is the best form of protection.

How Hepatitis Strains Spread
	Contaminated Food or Water	Sexual Contact	Blood/Bodily Fluids	Contaminated Medical Items
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis D
Hepatitis E

Hepatitis A vaccination provides the best form of protection against the virus. Most vaccinations come in two doses given six months apart. Most children are vaccinated around one-year-old.

Studies indicate the vaccine protects for over 25 years.

Immune globulin is an alternative to hepatitis A vaccination that provides short-term protection for travellers. This is also offered at Passport Health locations.

The hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for everyone over the age of 1 year. The NHS highly recommends vaccination for individuals in the following groups:

• Work or travel to countries with hepatitis A
• Live in an area where hepatitis A is present
• Are homosexual and identify as male
• Use street drugs
• Work with hepatitis A samples or patients

Many older adults have not been vaccinated against hepatitis A. Ensure you’re protected with a visit to Passport Health.

Hepatitis A is a very common illness throughout the world. Even developed countries like the United Kingdom, United States or Australia can have outbreaks. But, some regions carry a higher risk of infection.

The vaccine is recommended for travel to nearly every region of the world. Some of the most popular destinations where hepatitis A vaccination would be recommended include:

• Brazil
• Cambodia
• China
• Costa Rica
• Ghana
• India
• Kenya
• Mexico
• Nigeria
• Peru
• Thailand

To find out if hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for your trip, see our destination advice portal.

Yes. Boosters are required for full protection against hepatitis A. The exact number and timing of boosters varies based on the vaccination received.

Passport Health clinics carry a variety of hepatitis A vaccination options including hepatitis A/B and hepatitis A/typhoid vaccinations. Schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.