Travel vaccine
Hepatitis A
A well-tolerated vaccine that guards the liver against hepatitis A, one of the most common infections picked up by travellers.
About hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver spread mainly through food and water that has been contaminated with the virus. It is common in places where sanitation is limited. Symptoms can include nausea, tiredness, tummy pain, a yellowing of the skin and eyes, and a general feeling of being unwell. While most people recover fully, the illness can be unpleasant and may keep you out of action for several weeks.
The vaccine
A single dose gives good protection for around a year, which is enough cover for most short trips. A booster dose, given 6 to 12 months after the first, extends protection for roughly 25 years. The vaccine is suitable for adults and children and has an excellent safety record. Even fairly close to departure it is worth having, as protection begins to build quickly.
Practical travel advice
Vaccination works best alongside sensible food and water precautions: drink sealed or treated water, be cautious with ice, salads and unpeeled fruit, and wash your hands often. To check whether hepatitis A vaccination is right for your destination, book a travel consultation at Crewe Pharmacy, 139-141 Nantwich Road. Call 01270 215837 or pop into the pharmacy to arrange your appointment.
How it spreads
Caught from contaminated food or water, or through close contact with someone already infected.
Who should be vaccinated
Anyone travelling to parts of Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Central and South America where food and water hygiene may be variable.
Vaccination schedule
Single dose before travel, with a second dose 6-12 months later for lasting cover
Boosters
After the second dose, protection lasts for around 25 years.
Possible side effects
Tenderness at the injection site, tiredness or a mild headache that usually settle within a day or two.
Regions where there is a risk
Africa, Asia, Middle East, Central and South America.
Hepatitis A — frequently asked questions
Who needs the hepatitis A vaccine before travelling?
The hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for anyone travelling to parts of Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Central and South America where food and water hygiene can be variable. It is one of the most common infections picked up by travellers. We can confirm whether it suits your destination during a consultation at Crewe Pharmacy.
How many doses of the hepatitis A vaccine do I need?
You need two doses of the hepatitis A vaccine for full, lasting cover. A single dose before travel gives good protection for about a year, then a second dose given 6 to 12 months later extends it considerably. For most short trips the first dose is enough to get you safely under way.
How long does the hepatitis A vaccine protect me for?
After the second dose, hepatitis A protection lasts for around 25 years, so a completed course covers you for most future travel. A single dose alone protects for roughly a year. If you travel regularly, completing both doses is well worth it. We can check your vaccination history at your Crewe Pharmacy appointment.
How soon before travel should I have the hepatitis A vaccine?
Aim to have the hepatitis A vaccine at least a couple of weeks before travel, though it is still worthwhile even close to departure because protection begins to build quickly. The first dose alone covers most short trips. Call 01270 215837 or visit Crewe Pharmacy to fit your jab in before you leave.
What are the side effects of the hepatitis A vaccine?
The hepatitis A vaccine is well tolerated, with only mild side effects in most people. You might notice tenderness at the injection site, tiredness or a mild headache, which usually settle within a day or two. Serious reactions are rare. We will explain what to expect and answer your questions at your consultation.
Is the hepatitis A vaccine free on the NHS or private in Crewe?
For travel purposes the hepatitis A vaccine is a private service at Crewe Pharmacy, costing £50 per dose. It is not routinely provided free on the NHS for travellers. The full course is two doses for lasting cover. To arrange yours, call 01270 215837 or visit us at 139-141 Nantwich Road.
How much does the hepatitis A vaccine cost at Crewe Pharmacy?
The hepatitis A vaccine costs £50 per dose at Crewe Pharmacy. A single dose protects most short-trip travellers for about a year, and a second dose 6 to 12 months later gives roughly 25 years of cover. To book, call 01270 215837 or pop into 139-141 Nantwich Road in Crewe.
Which destinations carry a hepatitis A risk?
Hepatitis A is a risk across much of Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Central and South America, where food and water hygiene may be variable. It is caught from contaminated food or water or close contact with someone infected. Tell us where you are heading during your Crewe Pharmacy consultation and we will advise on protection.