Planning an international trip involves a lot of preparation, from booking flights to packing the right clothing for the climate. But one thing that is easy to overlook, particularly when a holiday feels long overdue, is making sure your vaccinations are up to date. If you are travelling to parts of the world where hepatitis A is more common, getting vaccinated before you go is one of the most straightforward steps you can take to protect your health.
At Mendus Pharmacy, we offer travel health services to help you prepare properly before heading abroad. If you are based in Pembroke or nearby and would like advice about travel vaccinations, contact us today or book a consultation with our team.
What Is Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is a viral infection that affects the liver. It is spread primarily through contaminated food and water, or through close contact with an infected person. Hepatitis A is most common in parts of the world where sanitation and access to clean water may be limited, including areas of Africa, Asia, Central and South America, and the Middle East.
Symptoms can include:
- Feeling unusually tired or unwell
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach pain, particularly in the upper right area
- Yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice)
- Dark urine and pale stools
- Itchy skin
Most people recover fully, but the illness can be severe, especially in older adults or those with existing liver conditions. The good news is that a highly effective vaccine is available and easy to access before travel.
How Long Does the Hepatitis A Vaccine Last?
This is one of the most common questions travellers ask. The answer depends on whether you have had one dose or the full course.
| Dose | Protection Begins | Duration of Protection |
|---|---|---|
| First dose | Within 2 to 4 weeks | Approximately 1 year |
| Booster dose (given 6 to 12 months later) | Shortly after administration | Up to 25 years or possibly lifelong |
The first dose offers good protection for the duration of most trips. The booster dose, given between six and twelve months after the first, significantly extends that protection and is considered to provide long-lasting, potentially lifelong immunity in most individuals.
This means that if you received both doses years ago, you are likely still well protected. However, if you only ever had the first dose and never went back for the booster, it is worth checking before you travel again.
When Should You Get Vaccinated Before Travel?
Ideally, you should aim to have your first dose of the hepatitis A vaccine at least two weeks before you travel. This allows enough time for your immune system to respond and build adequate protection.
That said, if your departure is sooner, getting vaccinated even a few days before travel still provides some degree of protection, and it is certainly better than not being vaccinated at all.
Here is a simple checklist to follow before booking your vaccine appointment:
- Check whether your destination is considered higher risk for hepatitis A
- Review your vaccination history, if you are unsure, ask your GP or pharmacist to check your records
- If you have had one dose previously, find out when it was given and whether a booster is due
- Allow at least two weeks before departure for the vaccine to take effect
- Book your appointment in good time, particularly during busy travel seasons
Who Should Have the Hepatitis A Vaccine?
The hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for a wide range of people. Travellers are the most common group, but it is not exclusively a travel vaccine.
You may benefit from vaccination if you are:
- Travelling to a country where hepatitis A is widespread
- Working in healthcare, childcare, or sewage treatment
- Someone with a long-term liver condition
- A person who injects drugs
- A close contact of someone who has been diagnosed with hepatitis A
- A man who has sex with men
If you are unsure whether the vaccine applies to your situation, a quick conversation with one of our team is the easiest way to find out.
Hints and Tips for Travellers
Click on each dropdown to find out how you can protect yourself while abroad.
Plan your vaccinations early, not the night before
Some vaccines require multiple doses spread over weeks or months. Leaving it until the last minute can mean you travel without full protection. Booking a travel health consultation at least six to eight weeks before departure gives you the best options.
Keep a record of your vaccinations
It is worth keeping a personal vaccination record so you can easily check what you have had and when. This is especially helpful if you travel regularly and want to avoid unnecessary repeat vaccinations.
Vaccination does not replace food and water hygiene
Even with the hepatitis A vaccine, practising good food and water hygiene while abroad remains important. Stick to bottled or boiled water where tap water safety is uncertain, and be cautious with street food or shellfish in higher-risk areas.
Consider a combined hepatitis A and B vaccine
If you also need protection against hepatitis B, a combined vaccine is available that covers both strains. This can reduce the number of injections needed and is worth discussing at your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a hepatitis A vaccine for every trip abroad?
Not necessarily. If you have completed the full two-dose course, you are likely protected for many years. It is worth checking your vaccination records before each trip to confirm your status.
Can I get the hepatitis A vaccine on the NHS?
The hepatitis A vaccine is available on the NHS for people in certain higher-risk groups. For most travellers, it is available privately through a pharmacy or travel clinic.
Are there any side effects from the vaccine?
Side effects are generally mild and short-lived. The most common include soreness at the injection site, a mild headache, or feeling slightly tired for a day or two. Serious reactions are rare.
Is the hepatitis A vaccine suitable for children?
Yes, the vaccine is suitable for children from the age of one year. If you are travelling with young children to a higher-risk destination, speak to a healthcare professional about whether vaccination is recommended.
How do I know if my destination requires the hepatitis A vaccine?
Our team can advise you based on your specific destination and travel plans. We can also guide you on other vaccines you may need, from Hepatitis B to Rabies.
Ready to Travel? Book Your Vaccine Appointment in Pembroke
Getting the right vaccinations in place before you travel is one of the simplest things you can do to protect your health abroad. Whether you are heading somewhere for the first time or revisiting a favourite destination, it is always worth checking your vaccination history before you go.
Our team at Mendus Pharmacy is here to help you travel with confidence. We offer travel health consultations tailored to your itinerary and personal health needs, with clear, honest advice every step of the way.
Get in touch with us today or book your consultation with our team, and let us help you prepare properly for your next adventure.