Hepatitis A Vaccination
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 in our Birmingham clinic. 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.
Free Travel Consultations
Stay protected during your travels with our Travel Vaccination Consultation. Our expert medical team will guide you on essential vaccinations, helping prevent diseases uncommon in the UK. Learn how to minimise the risk of exposure and ensure a safe and healthy journey.
Travel Vaccinations
Malaria Prophylaxis and Advice
Diptheria, Tetanus and Polio Vaccine
Hepatitis A Vaccine
Hepatitis B Vaccine
Typhoid Vaccine
Meningitis ACWY (MenACWY) Vaccine
Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine
Rabies Vaccine
Yellow Fever Vaccine
Tick Borne Encephalitis
Cholera Vaccine
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.
Am I at risk of Hepatitis A?
While Hepatitis A is rare among UK citizens within the country, it is endemic in many parts of the world, particularly in developing nations. Regions such as Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and South America pose a higher risk of Hepatitis A exposure. If you plan to travel to these areas or embark on long-term travel, it is essential to assess your risk and take appropriate precautions to safeguard your health.
It’s crucial to note that anyone who has not been vaccinated against Hepatitis A or has not recovered from a confirmed Hepatitis A infection is at risk of contracting the disease.
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.
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.
Other recommendations to prevent infection:
Prevention is always better than cure, and Hepatitis A infection is no exception. Vaccination is the most effective method to protect yourself from Hepatitis A prior to potential exposure. In addition to vaccination, adopting certain hygienic practices can significantly reduce the risk of infection by viruses and bacteria transmitted through the fecal-oral route. Here are some essential tips:
1. Safe Drinking Water
Ensure that the water you consume, even for brushing your teeth, is safe. Trusted sources of water include bottled water from reliable suppliers, boiled and cooled water, water treated with chlorine, or filtered and treated water.
2. Hygiene Practices
Regularly washing your hands is crucial, especially before eating food and after visiting the bathroom. Proper hand hygiene is a simple yet effective measure to prevent the spread of Hepatitis A and other infectious diseases.
3. Mindful Food and Drink Consumption
Be cautious about the food and beverages you consume. Ensure that your food is thoroughly cooked and piping hot before eating it, and avoid consuming ice in your drinks. Additionally, it is advisable to avoid salads and only eat fruits that require peeling, as these practices can minimize the risk of consuming contaminated food.
How much do Travel Vaccinations cost?
Vaccinations – Travel
Free Consultation
- Yellow Fever Vaccine – £95 (Includes Certificate)
- Hepatitis A – £65 per dose (Booster after 6-12 months)
- Typhoid – £30 (Covers for 3 years)
- Diptheria, Tetanus & Polio – £50 (Covers for 10 years)
- Malarone (Prescription) – £25
- Hepatitis B – £65 per dose (Course of 3 vaccines – £195)
- Rabies – £65 per dose (Course of 3 vaccines – £195)
- Japanese Encephalitis – £125 per dose (Course of 2 vaccines – £250)
- Meningitis ACWY – £75 (Covers for 3-5 years)
- Cholera – £95 (Course of 2 vaccines)
- Whooping cough vaccine (Pertussis) – £75
Malaria is a life-threatening disease that occurs in tropical and subtropical regions, including Africa, Asia, and South America. If you’re planning a trip to these regions, it’s essential to take the necessary precautions to prevent malaria.
Antimalarial medication is essential for preventing malaria in high-risk areas. Consult with a travel health specialist to determine which medication is right for you. Some medications must be taken several weeks before your trip, so plan ahead.
When selecting a mosquito repellent, make sure it’s effective and safe. Choose a product that contains at least 20% DEET or an equivalent concentration of other active ingredients.
If you’re planning to travel to an area with a high risk of polio or diphtheria, it may be necessary to get vaccinated against polio, diphtheria, and tetanus. The need for a DTP booster shot depends on the date of your previous vaccination.
The polio, diphtheria, and tetanus vaccine is a combination vaccine that protects against these three serious illnesses. Polio is a highly infectious disease that can cause paralysis, while diphtheria and tetanus are bacterial infections that can lead to respiratory problems and muscle stiffness. The vaccine works by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies against these illnesses, which helps to protect against them.
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.
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.
The most effective method of preventing Hepatitis B infection is through vaccination. The Hepatitis B vaccine is safe and highly effective. If you plan to travel to high risk areas, it is essential to assess your risk and take appropriate precautions to safeguard your health.
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that primarily targets the liver, leading to acute illness and potentially causing long-lasting damage. This global health challenge affects millions of individuals across nearly every continent. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there were approximately 296 million cases of Hepatitis B in 2019, resulting in an alarming 820,000 deaths attributed to liver damage and liver cancer. The highest concentration of cases can be found in the WHO Western Pacific and African regions.
A typhoid vaccination is recommended if you are travelling to an area of high risk, such as the Indian subcontinent, parts of Africa, South America, and other regions with low hygiene standards. The typhoid vaccine is a crucial preventive measure that stimulates your body to produce antibodies, enhancing your immune system’s ability to fight against the typhoid bacteria.
Typhoid fever is a serious bacterial infection that can have severe consequences if left untreated. It spreads throughout the body, affecting multiple organs and can even lead to complications such as internal bleeding, which can be fatal. It is primarily prevalent in areas where hygiene standards are low.
The Meningitis ACWY vaccine is highly recommended for individuals traveling to regions with a high risk of meningococcal meningitis, including parts of Africa, the Middle East, and certain countries in South America. This vaccine serves as a crucial preventive measure, stimulating the production of antibodies in your body and enhancing your immune system’s ability to combat the bacteria responsible for meningococcal meningitis.
To safeguard against this disease, the Meningitis ACWY vaccine provides protection against four different serogroups of the bacteria: A, C, W, and Y. By receiving this vaccine, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of contracting the disease and potentially protect themselves from its debilitating consequences.
Japanese Encephalitis (JE) is a viral infection transmitted through mosquito bites that is prevalent in certain regions of Asia, including rural areas of China, Japan, Southeast Asia, and the Indian subcontinent. If you are planning to travel to these high-risk areas, it is strongly recommended to receive the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine as a preventive measure.
The Japanese Encephalitis vaccine stimulates the production of antibodies in the body, enhancing the immune system’s ability to fight against the JEV. By receiving this vaccine, you can significantly reduce the risk of contracting the virus and developing Japanese Encephalitis.
Rabies is a deadly viral disease that affects the nervous system of mammals, including humans. It is primarily transmitted through the bite or scratch of an infected animal, most commonly dogs, bats, raccoons, and other wild animals. If you are traveling to areas where rabies is prevalent, it is crucial to be aware of the risks and take preventive measures, including the rabies vaccine.
The rabies vaccine serves as a preventive measure to protect individuals from contracting the virus. It is administered before potential exposure or as a series of post-exposure shots, depending on the circumstances. Pre-exposure vaccination is recommended for individuals who may be at an increased risk of exposure, such as animal handlers, veterinarians, and individuals traveling to regions where rabies is prevalent.
Yellow fever is a viral disease caused by the yellow fever virus, primarily transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes. It is mainly found in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and South America. If you are planning to travel to areas where yellow fever is endemic or where there is a risk of outbreaks, it is important to take precautions and consider getting the yellow fever vaccine.
The yellow fever vaccine is a highly effective preventive measure against the disease. It is a live attenuated vaccine that stimulates the body’s immune system to develop immunity to the yellow fever virus. Many countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination as an entry requirement, especially if you are arriving from or have recently visited a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission.
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a viral infection transmitted through the bite of infected ticks. It is primarily found in parts of Europe and Asia, particularly in forested areas and regions with high tick populations. If you are planning to travel to areas where TBE is endemic or engaging in outdoor activities in these regions, it is important to be aware of the risks and consider getting vaccinated against tick-borne encephalitis.
The tick-borne encephalitis vaccine is a preventive measure that provides protection against the virus. It stimulates the body’s immune system to produce antibodies that help fight against the tick-borne encephalitis virus. The vaccine is typically administered as a series of doses and offers long-term immunity against the disease.
Cholera is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It is primarily transmitted through the ingestion of contaminated food or water. Cholera is prevalent in areas with inadequate sanitation and poor access to clean drinking water, particularly in parts of Africa, Asia, and Latin America. If you are traveling to these regions, it is important to take necessary precautions and consider receiving the cholera vaccine.
The cholera vaccine is an oral vaccine that provides protection against the specific strains of Vibrio cholerae responsible for the disease. It stimulates the production of antibodies in the body, enhancing the immune system’s ability to fight against the bacteria. The vaccine is typically administered in a series of doses and offers a certain level of immunity against cholera.