Your one stop Vaccination Clinic

Hepatitis A Vaccine

Get a Hepatitis A Vaccine

Hepatitis A is an infection of the liver. Symptoms are generally mild but increase in severity with age. The virus is spread via the faecal-oral route via contaminated food or close person to person contact.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). It is typically spread through ingestion of contaminated food or water or direct contact with an infected person. Unlike other forms of hepatitis, hepatitis A does not cause chronic liver disease and is usually self-limiting, resolving within a few weeks to months. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent hepatitis A. Good hygiene practices, such as handwashing and proper food handling, also help reduce the risk of transmission.

Vaccination Pricing

£62.50 Per dose
£62.50 Per Course

Signs & Symptoms

Symptoms are often mild or absent in young children, but the disease becomes more serious with advancing age. Recovery can vary from weeks to months. Following hepatitis A illness, immunity is lifelong.

Symptoms include:

  • Children are normally asymptomatic

  • Jaundice may occur in 70-80% of cases

  • Malaise

  • Nausea

  • Loss of appetite

Hawne Chemist & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 0121 501 3518

Email: westmidstravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

westmidstravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

177 Stourbridge Rd, Halesowen, B63 3UD

Bills Pharmacy & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01384 872117

Email: westmidstravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

westmidstravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

29 High St, Kinver, Stourbridge, DY7 6HF

Millard and Bullock Chemist & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01902 883 182

Email: westmidstravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

westmidstravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

Castle Street, Bilston, WV14 9DD

The Vaccination – Hepatitis A vaccine

Ages (Years) Doses Required Schedule Time before travel Boost required at
2-16 1 (paed) – 2 weeks preferably but anytime ok* 6-12 months after 1st dose
16 – 85 1 – 2 weeks preferably but anytime ok* 6-12 months after 1st dose

Hepatits A & Hepatitis B Combined vaccine

Ages (Years) Doses Required Schedule Time before travel Boost required at
16-85 3 to 4 0, 7, 21 days, + at 1 year** Up to day before* See specialist pharmacist

*Vaccine most effective when given plenty of time to develop immunity. Some immunity will be present if the vaccine is given up to the day before travel.

**accelerated schedule. Full protection not given until final dose at 1 year. Will give adequate protection if leaving sooner.

Hepatitis A is a viral infection that primarily affects the liver and is caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). Unlike other forms of hepatitis, it does not usually lead to chronic liver disease, but it can cause a sudden and sometimes severe illness. It is considered an acute infection, meaning that it typically has a rapid onset of symptoms, although some people may remain asymptomatic. The virus targets the liver, leading to inflammation and a variety of unpleasant symptoms. While most people recover fully within a few weeks or months, the infection can occasionally result in more serious complications, especially in older adults or those with pre-existing liver conditions. It is one of the most common causes of vaccine-preventable hepatitis globally, and although its prevalence is higher in areas with poor sanitation, cases still occur in developed countries through travel or contaminated food.

Hepatitis A spreads mainly through the ingestion of food or water contaminated with the faeces of an infected person – this is known as the faecal-oral route. In practical terms, this means it can be transmitted through close personal contact with someone who is infected, consuming food handled by an infected person who hasn’t washed their hands properly, or drinking water that has been contaminated with sewage. Outbreaks are more common in places where sanitation and access to clean water are limited. Prevention is primarily achieved through good hygiene practices and vaccination. Frequent handwashing, especially before eating or preparing food and after using the toilet, plays a key role in limiting the spread. For those travelling to parts of the world where hepatitis A is common, getting vaccinated is the most reliable method of protection, particularly if you plan to eat local food, stay in rural areas, or have extended contact with local people.

The symptoms of hepatitis A can vary in severity and may develop anywhere from two to seven weeks after exposure to the virus. Common early signs include flu-like symptoms such as fatigue, muscle aches, fever, and nausea. As the virus begins to affect the liver, more specific symptoms tend to emerge, including jaundice (a yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, pale stools, abdominal discomfort – particularly in the upper right side of the abdomen – and loss of appetite. In children, the illness is often milder and may go unnoticed altogether, while adults are more likely to experience noticeable symptoms. Although hepatitis A doesn’t usually cause lasting liver damage, the symptoms can be debilitating and last for several weeks. In rare cases, it can lead to acute liver failure, particularly in older individuals or those with underlying liver disease.

The hepatitis A vaccine provides long-lasting protection against the virus. The standard vaccination course involves two doses: an initial dose followed by a booster administered six to twelve months later. After completing both doses, the immunity is thought to last for at least 20 years and possibly for life in many individuals. Even a single dose offers a high level of short-term protection, which is beneficial for travellers needing rapid immunisation. The vaccine stimulates the body to produce antibodies against the hepatitis A virus, which then provide immunity in the event of future exposure. It is generally recommended for people at higher risk, including travellers to endemic areas, individuals with chronic liver disease, men who have sex with men, and those who work in certain settings like childcare or sewage treatment.

The hepatitis A vaccine is strongly recommended for travel to countries where the virus is widespread due to lower sanitation standards and limited access to clean water. These typically include parts of Africa, Asia, Central and South America, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe. Popular travel destinations such as India, Egypt, Thailand, Mexico, and Indonesia are often flagged as higher risk. The risk is particularly significant in rural areas or places where you may be eating street food or drinking untreated water. Even in countries with moderate risk, an outbreak can occur unexpectedly, making vaccination a sensible precaution for most international travellers. Before travel, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional or a travel clinic to assess your personal risk based on your destination, length of stay, and planned activities.

The hepatitis A vaccine is considered very safe and well tolerated by most people. Like all vaccines, it can cause some mild side effects, though serious adverse reactions are extremely rare. The most commonly reported side effects include soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site, which usually resolves within a day or two. Some individuals may experience mild flu-like symptoms such as headache, fatigue, low-grade fever, or a general feeling of being unwell. These symptoms tend to be short-lived and are typically a sign that the body is building immunity. In rare instances, allergic reactions may occur, but these are extremely uncommon and are typically managed quickly in a clinical setting. Overall, the benefits of vaccination, particularly for those travelling to areas with a high risk of exposure, far outweigh the minimal risks associated with side effects.

Use the map below to identify areas of risk for travel.

Simply call the clinic of your choice or send us an email enquiry, and our travel specialists will get back to you as soon as possible.

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