The hepatitis A vaccine is a preventive measure against hepatitis A, an infection that targets the liver. This disease is caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). If you plan to travel to high risk areas, it is essential to assess your risk and take appropriate precautions to safeguard your health.
We offer a wide range of travel vaccinations with locations across the UK. Whether you need vaccinations for travel purposes or for work, we are here to help you. We offer free travel consultations so you can travel safely and confidently.
What is Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious virus that is typically not acquired in the UK. This virus primarily targets the liver, resulting in various symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, jaundice, dark-colored urine, fever, diarrhea, and nausea. It’s important to note that unlike other forms of hepatitis, such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis A does not lead to long-lasting liver damage or cirrhosis. However, in rare cases, Hepatitis A can progress to liver failure, which can be life-threatening, especially among older individuals.
How is Hepatitis A transmitted?
Hepatitis A is primarily transmitted through contaminated food and water, following what is known as the fecal-oral route. This means that individuals carrying the virus in their feces can contaminate food during preparation, mainly due to poor personal hygiene practices. Additionally, close intimate contact with an infected person can also lead to Hepatitis A transmission. Surprisingly, even consuming filter-feeding shellfish, such as mussels, that have been exposed to untreated sewage can result in acquiring the virus.
Why is the Hepatitis A Vaccine Important?
The Hepatitis A vaccine provides long-lasting protection against the virus, helping to prevent the illness and its associated complications. This vaccine is particularly important for travelers to areas where sanitation may be poor and the risk of infection is higher.
Hepatitis A Vaccine
Vaccination against Hepatitis A is strongly recommended as one of the best methods of preventing infection. The Hepatitis A vaccine is safe, effective, and provides long-lasting protection against this viral illness. It is suitable for both adults and children from one year old onwards.
The vaccine is administered as a course of two doses, separated by a minimum of six months. Once the full course is completed, you can expect at least 25 years of protection against Hepatitis A infection when traveling to countries where the disease is common. Significant antibody levels typically appear two to four weeks after the administration of the first dose, and the second dose at the six-month mark reinforces this immunity to provide long-lasting protection.
Who Should Get Vaccinated?
The Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for:
- Travelers to high-risk areas: If you’re visiting regions where Hepatitis A is common, vaccination is crucial for your protection.
- Individuals with chronic liver disease: People with pre-existing liver conditions are at a higher risk of severe illness if infected with Hepatitis A.
- Food handlers: Those who work in food preparation or handling should consider vaccination to prevent the spread of the virus.
- People with certain health conditions: Individuals with clotting-factor disorders or other specific health concerns should be vaccinated.
- Individuals who engage in high-risk behaviors: Certain lifestyle factors, such as drug use or close contact with someone who has Hepatitis A, increase the risk of infection.
High-Risk Areas
Hepatitis A is more common in parts of the world where sanitation and hygiene practices are inadequate, including:
- Asia
- Africa
- Central and South America
- The Middle East
- Eastern Europe
If you are planning to visit these regions, getting vaccinated is highly recommended.
Potential Side Effects
Hepatitis A vaccines, such as Havrix Mono Dose, Vaqta, and Avaxim, are considered safe and effective, with adverse events being infrequent. These vaccines are inactivated, meaning they cannot cause the disease they aim to protect against. However, like any vaccine, there may be some mild side effects.
Common side effects may include soreness or redness at the injection site, mild fever, headache, or fatigue. These symptoms are usually temporary and should resolve within a few days. In most cases, managing them with over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol or applying a cold compress to reduce swelling at the injection site is sufficient.
