Hepatitis A is an infection of the liver that can be caught through contaminated food or water, or close contact with someone who has the virus. It is more common in some parts of the world than in the UK, so vaccination may be recommended before travel. The right advice depends on your destination, itinerary and health. Planning ahead gives you time to build protection and complete the vaccine course.
What does hepatitis A vaccination protect against?
The hepatitis A virus is usually spread when tiny amounts of infected faeces reach a person’s mouth. This can happen through contaminated food or water, or through close personal contact. Travellers may be exposed even if they stay in comfortable accommodation or eat at reputable restaurants, as safe water and food handling cannot always be guaranteed.
Hepatitis A can cause symptoms including tiredness, nausea, abdominal discomfort, fever and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes). Some people, particularly children, may have mild symptoms or none at all, but adults can become significantly unwell. The illness can last for weeks, and recovery may take longer. Vaccination is a practical way to reduce the risk of infection before travel.
Who should consider the vaccine?
Hepatitis A vaccination is commonly advised for people travelling to destinations where the virus is more widespread. This includes many countries in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Central and South America, and parts of Eastern Europe. Recommendations can vary within a country and change according to your plans, so it is best to discuss your specific itinerary with a travel health professional.
Your need for vaccination may be greater if you will be staying with local people, visiting rural areas, travelling for a long period, backpacking, or staying somewhere with limited access to safe food and water or medical care. It may also be worth considering for shorter trips: exposure can happen during an ordinary holiday, not only on an adventurous or extended journey.
Some health conditions make hepatitis A more concerning. People with chronic liver disease may be at increased risk of serious consequences if infected. A clinician may also recommend vaccination for people with certain other health or personal risk factors. Children travelling to affected areas may be eligible from one year of age; younger children need individual advice. If you are unsure whether vaccination is appropriate for you or your child, a travel consultation can help assess the risks.
When should you book?
Book as early as possible once you know you are travelling, ideally several weeks before departure. This allows time to assess your needs, receive a first dose and plan any follow-up doses. The vaccine is still worth discussing if your trip is soon: protection may begin after the first dose, and a clinician can advise whether vaccination is appropriate for your departure date and circumstances.
Do not assume that it is too late to seek advice because you have already booked your flights. Tell the clinician when you leave, where you are going, how long you will stay and whether you have had hepatitis A vaccination before. If you have an old vaccination record, bring it or have the details available. A previous dose may affect what you need next.
How many doses are needed?
For most people, hepatitis A vaccination involves an initial dose followed by a second dose, usually six to twelve months later, to complete the course. The exact timing depends on the vaccine used and your individual circumstances, so follow the schedule given by your clinician. The second dose is important for longer-lasting protection, even if you feel well protected after the first.
If you have received hepatitis A vaccine in the past, you may not need to start again. A clinician can review your history and advise whether a further dose is due. Travellers with particular medical conditions, including some people with weakened immune systems, may need a tailored plan or additional advice. Mention any long-term conditions and medicines during your consultation.
Safety and practical points
Hepatitis A vaccines used in the UK are inactivated vaccines. Common effects are usually mild and short-lived, such as soreness or redness where the injection was given, headache or feeling tired. As with any vaccine, serious allergic reactions are possible but uncommon. Tell the clinician about any previous reaction to a vaccine, allergy to a vaccine component, current illness, pregnancy or breastfeeding before vaccination.
Pregnancy does not automatically rule out hepatitis A vaccination. If travel exposure is a concern, a clinician can weigh the likely benefits against any individual considerations. If you have a significant fever or feel acutely unwell, vaccination may need to be postponed until you have recovered; mention this when arranging your appointment.
Vaccination is not a substitute for careful food and water precautions. During travel, wash your hands with soap and clean water before eating and after using the toilet. Follow local advice on drinking water and ice, and take care with food that is raw, undercooked or has been kept at an unsafe temperature. These measures also help reduce the risk of other travel-related infections.
Getting advice in Edinburgh
A travel health consultation can review your destination, previous vaccinations, health conditions and departure date, then help you decide whether hepatitis A vaccination is appropriate. It is useful to bring your itinerary and any available vaccination records. If you are travelling with family, ask about each person individually, as age and health history can affect the advice.
Book hepatitis A vaccination
For practical advice before your trip, book a hepatitis A vaccination appointment with Murrayfield Pharmacy in Edinburgh.