What is it?
Hepatitis A is a highly infectious virus that can cause inflammation of the liver. The virus is most commonly transmitted through food or water that has been contaminated by human faeces or by direct contact with an infected person.
Risk areas
Hepatits A occurs worldwide, but areas with high levels of infection include low-income countries where there is poor sanitation or hygeiene practices.
High risk areas include:
- The Indian subcontinent
- Sub-Saharan and North Africa
- Parts of South East Asia
- South & Central America
- The Middle East
Prevention
The most common route of infection in travellers is consumption of contaminated food or water. Simple measures to reduce the risk of infection include:
- Drinking water from a sealed source or boiled water,
- Avoiding ice made from impurified water,
- Avoiding salad that may be washed with tap water and
- Ensuring food has been freshly cooked and is hot
Length of protection
The duration of protection from a completed course of Hepatitis A vaccine is a minimum of 25 years.
Vaccine Schedule
There are several effective Hepatitis A vaccines available for travellers who intend to visit areas where Hepatitis A is common.
Vaccine
Schedule
Age Range
Price
Vaccine
Hepatitis A (adult)
Schedule
2 doses, given 6 – 12 months apart.
Age Range
Adults.
Price
£55 per dose
Vaccine
Hepatitis A (junior)
Schedule
2 doses, given 6 – 12 months apart.
Age Range
Children over 1 year.
Price
£55 per dose