Vaccination Services

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a liver infection caused by Hepatitis A Virus that's spread in the poo of an infected person. The symptoms of hepatitis A develop, on average, around four weeks after becoming infected, although not everyone will experience them. Symptoms are not much different to other types of hepatitis; Tiredness general aches, fever, feeling and being sick, yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), dark urine, pale, grey-coloured stools, etc.

How hepatitis A is spread?

• Eating food prepared by someone with the infection who hasn't washed their hands properly, or washed them in water contaminated with sewage
• Drinking contaminated water (including ice cubes)
• Eating raw or undercooked shellfish (e.g. Oyster) from contaminated water
• Close contact with someone who has hepatitis A

Prevention

Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended to people travelling to high risk destinations which includes sub-Saharan and northern Africa, the Indian subcontinent (particularly India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nepal), the Middle East, South and Central America. If you've travelling abroad, try to plan your vaccinations in advance. They should ideally be started at least two or three weeks before you leave. Extra doses of the vaccine are often recommended after 6-12 months if you need long-term protection. The key to avoid contacting hepatitis A virus is ‘Watch what you eat and drink’, however in high risk countries the safest and most effective protection is to get vaccinated.

Side effects of the hepatitis A vaccine

Some people develop temporary soreness, redness and hardening of the skin at the injection site after having the hepatitis A vaccine. A small, painless lump may also form, but this usually disappears quickly and isn't a cause for concern.

This vaccination is not recommended to people with a fever or a history of allergy to any ingredient in the vaccine.