Hepatitis A - vaccination
When to get vaccinated Get the first dose at least 10 days before travelling. Course To achieve the best possible immunity, 2 doses are required. Boosters The second dose should ideally be given 6–12 months after the first, but it can be administered at a later date. How is it given Injection in the upper arm How long does it last The full course offers protection for 25 years Side effects Common side effects are soreness at the injection site and fever. Children Suitable from 1 years +
What is hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is a liver infection caused by a virus. It’s usually spread in the poo of someone who’s infected. Hepatitis A isn’t common in the UK but it’s common in other parts of the world.
Most people who get hepatitis A get better in a few months.
How can you get hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is more common in:
Africa
Asia
The Middle East
Central America
South America
You can get hepatitis A from:
Drinking unclean water
Eating food that’s been handled or prepared by someone with hepatitis A
Eating food that’s been washed or grown in unclean water
Being in close physical contact with someone with hepatitis A, for example having sex or sharing needles to take recreational drugs
The infection is at its most contagious stage in the two weeks before symptoms appear, up until about a week after the symptoms first show.
Signs & symptoms of hepatitis A
Hepatitis A symptoms usually develop approximately four weeks after becoming infected. Most children and some adults have mild symptoms and some people don’t have any.
Symptoms can include:
Having a fever
Flu-like symptoms like feeling tired, having a headache and having muscle aches and pains
Nausea
Being sick
Pain in your upper tummy
Feeling constipated
Having diarrhoea
Having pale yellow poo
Having pale grey poo
Having dark brown wee
Having itchy skin (some people also get a raised rash called hives)
Yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes (jaundice)
Symptoms usually subside within a couple of months.
Make sure to speak to your GP if you have any of the above symptoms of hepatitis A and:
You’ve travelled to a place where hepatitis A is common recently
You’ve been in close contact with someone who has hepatitis A recently
You’ve got a blood clotting disorder like haemophilia
You’re a man who has sex with men
You’ve shared needles with people when taking drugs
Your job puts you at risk of getting hepatitis A
It’s important to tell your GP that you think you might have hepatitis A.
Treating hepatitis A
Although there’s no cure for hepatitis A, it will normally pass on its own within three to six months.
If you’re struggling with any symptoms or you haven’t started to improve within a couple of months, speak to your GP for further advice. They may offer you medicines which can help with the symptoms.
Some people who have hepatitis A might get some problems with their liver. If this is the case, you might need blood tests to make sure your liver is working properly.
Hepatitis A vaccination
The hepatitis A vaccine isn’t routinely given because the risk is so low in the UK, but if you're travelling to a country with a risk of the disease, vaccination is recommended.
How long does the hepatitis A vaccination last?
A booster is recommended after six to 12 months to provide protection for 25 years.
There are other ways to help avoid hepatitis A while you’re travelling. These include:
Washing your hands thoroughly before you prepare and eat food
Drinking bottled water
Avoiding eating shellfish
Avoiding uncooked fruit and veg
Using a condom or dental dam when you’re having sex
