About the Hepatitis A Vaccine
When Should You Get the Hepatitis A Vaccine
We recommend having the Hepatitis A vaccine at least 2 weeks before travel to high-risk destinations. This allows your body time to build effective protection.
If you are travelling at short notice, a single dose can still provide protection even if given closer to departure.
Our specialised nurses will assess your destination, travel dates and medical history to advise on the best timing for your Hepatitis A vaccination.
Vaccine Schedule
The Hepatitis A vaccine is administered as a single injection per appointment.
For long-term protection, the full Hepatitis A vaccine UK course includes 2 doses:
-First dose (provides protection for at least 1 year)
-Second dose (booster given 6–12 months after the first)
Completing the 2-dose course provides long-lasting immunity, which can protect you for 25 years or more.
If you are travelling soon, one dose before departure will still provide effective short-term protection.
Our specialised nurses will confirm whether you require a first dose or a booster based on your vaccination history.
Booster Requirements
The second dose acts as a booster and is ideally given 6–12 months after the first vaccination.
If delayed, the booster can still be administered later without restarting the course.
Our specialised nurses will review your vaccination history and confirm whether a booster is required before travel.
How the Hepatitis A Vaccine Is Given
The Hepatitis A vaccination is administered as an injection in the upper arm during your appointment.
Your consultation typically lasts around 15 minutes and includes:
-A travel risk assessment
-A review of your medical history
-Personalised vaccination advice
How Long Does the Hepatitis A Vaccine Last
After one dose, protection lasts for at least 1 year.
After completing the full 2-dose course, protection can last 25 years or longer.
If you are unsure whether you previously received the Hepatitis A vaccine, our specialised nurses can advise on the safest course of action.
Possible Side Effects
Most people tolerate the Hepatitis A vaccine well. Side effects are generally mild and short-lived.
Possible side effects include:
-Pain, redness or swelling at the injection site
-Mild fever
-Headache
-Fatigue
Serious allergic reactions are rare. Our specialised nurses will explain potential side effects before vaccination and answer any questions you may have.
Who Can Have the Hepatitis A Vaccine
The vaccine is suitable for:
-Adults
-Children aged 12 months and over
-Travellers to high-risk countries
-Individuals with certain occupational or lifestyle risks
Your medical history will be carefully reviewed by our specialised nurses to ensure the Hepatitis A vaccination is safe and appropriate for you.
Risk If You Contract Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A affects the liver and can cause fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain and jaundice. While most people recover, adults can become seriously unwell. In rare cases, infection may lead to severe liver complications, including acute liver failure.
Vaccination provides effective protection.
Our London Travel Clinics
We have four central London travel clinics in Liverpool Street, London Bridge, High Street Kensington, and Mayfair, convenient for anyone living or working in the city. We are open early mornings, lunchtimes, evenings, and weekends, providing all essential travel vaccinations and medications.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Hepatitis A Vaccine
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious viral infection that affects the liver. It is most commonly spread through contaminated food or water in areas with poor sanitation.
Hepatitis A spreads through close contact with an infected person or by consuming contaminated food and water. Even microscopic traces of infected faecal matter can cause infection.
Vaccination is recommended when travelling to parts of Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Central or South America where Hepatitis A is more common. Our specialised nurses assess your destination and travel plans to confirm whether vaccination is advised.
The Hepatitis A vaccine is highly effective. One dose provides strong short-term protection, and completing the two-dose course provides long-term protection for 25 years or more.
One dose provides protection for at least 1 year. After completing the full two-dose course, protection can last 25 years or longer.
The vaccine typically begins providing protection within 2 weeks. Some protection develops sooner, which is why it can still benefit last-minute travellers.
There is no specific cure for Hepatitis A, but most people recover fully with rest and supportive care. Infection usually resolves within a few weeks to months.
No. Unlike Hepatitis B or C, Hepatitis A does not cause chronic liver disease. Once recovered, you develop lifelong natural immunity.
No. Hepatitis A is usually a short-term infection spread through contaminated food or water, while Hepatitis B spreads through blood and bodily fluids and can become chronic. Separate vaccines are required.
Hepatitis A is not classified as a traditional sexually transmitted infection, but it can spread through close sexual contact, particularly oral-anal contact.
Yes. Hepatitis A is highly contagious and can spread through close household or intimate contact. If you have been exposed, seek medical advice promptly as vaccination may be recommended.
Yes. The Hepatitis A vaccine can safely be given alongside other travel vaccines, including Typhoid, Hepatitis B, Rabies and Yellow Fever.
The vaccine is not suitable for individuals who have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose or any component of the vaccine. Those who are acutely unwell should delay vaccination until recovered.
Yes. Hepatitis A is available free on the NHS. However, at London Vaccination Clinic it is provided privately as a paid vaccination service.
No. A confirmed Hepatitis A infection provides lifelong immunity. If unsure, a blood test can check your immunity status.
Yes. A Hepatitis A antibody blood test (IgM & IgG) can confirm whether you are already immune due to past infection or previous vaccination.
