Timing
Ideally at least 2 weeks before departure, though a single dose still offers some protection if booked closer to travel.
Typical course
Usually a single injection, with a booster around 6-12 months later giving protection for up to 25 years.
Often relevant for
- Indian subcontinent
- Sub-Saharan Africa
- South East Asia
- Central and South America
- Eastern Europe
Hepatitis A spreads through food or water that has been contaminated, which makes it relevant to almost any trip where sanitation standards differ from the UK, including popular backpacking and all-inclusive resort destinations.
Most people recover fully, but symptoms such as fatigue, nausea and jaundice can last for weeks and occasionally longer, so prevention before a trip is far easier than dealing with an infection abroad or after returning home.
A travel health appointment is also a good moment to check whether a combined hepatitis A and typhoid vaccine makes sense for the itinerary, since the two are often recommended together.
Not sure if you need this one?
A travel health consultation looks at your whole itinerary, not just one vaccine.
See our travel vaccination consultation service →Other vaccines