Hepatitis A and B Vaccine
The combined vaccination protects against both hepatitis A and B.
Prices
Price per dose: £75
Doses per course: 3
Price per course: £225
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About the vaccine
When to get vaccinated: At least five weeks before travelling.
Course: The vaccine schedule you need depends on your age and when you are travelling. You may require 3 or 4 doses to be fully protected against both diseases. The pharmacist will assess which schedule is suitable for you.
Accelerated course: In some cases, an accelerated course may be suitable. The accelerated course consists of three doses prior to travel and a fourth dose 12 months later to fully complete the course. The second dose is given one week after the first dose and the third dose is given two weeks after the second dose.
Boosters: You Once you have completed the full course you will be protected against hep A for 25 years and against hep B for 5 years. If you remain at risk of either disease after your protection runs out you may need a booster.
How it is given: An injection in the upper arm.
Side effects: Very common side effects include pain or redness at the injection site. Common side effects include fever, headache and digestive problems.
Children: The vaccine can be given to children over the age of 12 months.
Additional precautions: You need to practise food safety as well as water and hand hygiene while in an area where hepatitis A is endemic. If travelling to a country where medical resources are limited, carry sterile needles with you and avoid getting piercings or tattoos. Use a condom every time you have sex to avoid catching hepatitis B during sex.
What is Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is a viral liver infection primarily transmitted through contaminated food and water, making it particularly common in regions with poor sanitation. This virus can quickly lead to outbreaks and epidemics. After an incubation period of 2 to 4 weeks, individuals may experience symptoms like fever, digestive issues, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). The severity of these symptoms can vary, ranging from mild to severe. In rare instances, hepatitis A can lead to complications such as cholestasis and liver failure. According to the World Health Organization, there are approximately 1.4 million cases of hepatitis A reported worldwide each year.
What is Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is a form of hepatitis, a viral infection that can harm the liver. Unlike hepatitis A, the hepatitis B virus is typically transmitted from person to person, often through sexual contact or the use of contaminated needles and medical equipment. Hepatitis B has a longer incubation period of 30 to 180 days and is often asymptomatic.
Possible symptoms of hepatitis B include nausea, fatigue, headache, and flu-like symptoms. Some individuals may develop jaundice, a condition characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes. The infection can persist and become chronic hepatitis B, leading to liver damage and failure.
If you are travelling to an area where hepatitis B is common, it is recommended that you receive the hepatitis B vaccine. This also applies to healthcare workers and medical professionals who are at a higher risk of exposure to the virus.
According to the World Health Organization, approximately 600,000 people die from hepatitis B each year. The hepatitis B vaccine is highly effective, with a 95% success rate in preventing infection and its long-term consequences.
Side Effects
Like most vaccines, hepatitis A and B vaccinations can result in side effects for some patients.
Very common side effects include redness, swelling, bruising, pain, or a burning sensation at the injection site. Common side effects may include fever, drowsiness, irritability, gastrointestinal issues, feeling unwell, headaches, loss of appetite, nausea, tiredness, and diarrhoea.
Vaccination
The vaccination schedule for hepatitis A and B can vary depending on your age and when you are travelling. Two different brands of the vaccine are available, and your schedule will depend on which one you receive.
For last-minute travellers, the most common schedule consists of three doses. The second dose is administered seven days after the first, followed by the third dose 14 days after the second dose. An additional dose is required 12 months later to complete the course.
Please note that for travellers under 18, combined schedules may take several months, so non-combined vaccines may be preferable to ensure timely protection. Your nurse or pharmacist will recommend the most suitable vaccine and schedule for your specific situation.
Once you have completed the full course, you will be protected against hepatitis A for 25 years and against hepatitis B for 5 years. Additional boosters may be required thereafter to maintain protection.
The vaccine can be given to children over the age of 12 months, but the schedule for children may take several months to complete. If you are travelling soon, non-combined vaccines for hepatitis A and B may be necessary to ensure protection before your trip.