Travel vaccine
Hepatitis A Vaccine
The hepatitis A vaccine protects against a liver infection spread through contaminated food and water, and is mainly recommended for travel and certain risk groups.
What it protects against
It protects against hepatitis A, a viral liver infection usually caught from food or water contaminated with the virus, which causes jaundice, nausea and tiredness and can occasionally be serious.
Who it's for
People travelling to areas where hepatitis A is common, and certain groups at higher risk such as some occupations, people with chronic liver disease, and others as advised.
How it works
It contains inactivated hepatitis A virus, prompting the immune system to make protective antibodies. Two doses give long-lasting protection.
Safety
Safety and side effects
It is safe and well tolerated. Common effects are soreness at the injection site, headache and tiredness, which settle within a day or two.
Education and reference only. This is general information, not a personal recommendation, and does not list doses — follow the current NHS schedule and your clinician's advice. Seek urgent help for signs of a serious allergic reaction after any vaccine.
Answers
Hepatitis A Vaccine: frequently asked questions
How long does the hepatitis A vaccine last?
A single dose gives protection for about a year, and a second dose 6–12 months later extends protection for around 25 years. Check with a travel clinic in good time before travelling.
Who should consider the hepatitis A vaccine?
It is mainly for people travelling to parts of the world where hepatitis A is common, and for certain risk groups such as people with long-term liver disease or particular occupations.
Related
Other travel vaccines
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Vaccinations
- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) — the Green Book
- WHO — immunization
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