Hepatitis A
At TravelJabs4U, we specialise in providing comprehensive travel vaccinations, including the Hepatitis A vaccine, to ensure you are protected against preventable illnesses while travelling abroad. Hepatitis A is a highly contagious virus that can cause serious health issues, particularly for those visiting countries where sanitation and food hygiene are poor. Whether you’re planning a trip or require the vaccine for other purposes, we’re here to answer your questions, including, “how long does the vaccine for Hepatitis A last?”
What Is Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is a viral infection that affects the liver, causing inflammation and a range of symptoms. It is usually transmitted through food or water contaminated by human faeces or through direct contact with an infected person. Although rare in the UK, Hepatitis A is a significant risk for travellers visiting locations where the virus is common, including parts of Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Central and South America.
Symptoms of Hepatitis A can vary from mild to severe and may include weakness and fatigue, loss of appetite, fever, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) in more severe cases.
While some people recover within a few weeks, the illness can last for months, particularly in older adults or those with underlying health conditions. For this reason, prevention through vaccination is highly recommended.
Who Is at Risk?
Certain travellers and individuals are more likely to be exposed to Hepatitis A. These include:
- People staying with or visiting local populations in high-risk areas
- Travellers visiting regions with poor sanitation and food hygiene
- Individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, such as liver disease or haemophilia
- People who inject drugs or men who have sex with men
- Those working in healthcare or roles where exposure to the virus is possible
Even if you don’t fall into these categories, if you’re travelling to a region where Hepatitis A is endemic, vaccination is an essential precaution.
How Can You Prevent Hepatitis A?
The most effective way to prevent Hepatitis A is through vaccination. However, there are additional steps you can take to reduce your risk, including:
- Practising good hand hygiene, particularly before eating or preparing food
- Drinking bottled or boiled water in high-risk areas
- Avoiding raw or undercooked foods, particularly shellfish
- Steering clear of street food if sanitation is questionable
While these measures can lower your risk, vaccination remains the most reliable form of protection.
The Hepatitis A Vaccine
The Hepatitis A vaccine is a safe and highly effective way to prevent the infection. At TravelJabs4U, we offer several vaccine options, including standalone Hepatitis A vaccines and combination vaccines that protect against Hepatitis B or Typhoid.
How Long Does the Vaccine for Hepatitis A Last?
The duration of protection provided by the Hepatitis A vaccine is impressive. A single dose of the vaccine offers short-term protection, but a second booster dose, given 6–12 months after the first, provides long-term immunity. Studies have shown that immunity lasts at least 25 years, and it is likely to be lifelong for most individuals. However, Public Health England recommends a booster dose at 25 years for those at ongoing risk, as further evidence on the vaccine’s duration of immunity is still being gathered.
For individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy or living with HIV, a healthcare professional may recommend an earlier booster to ensure continued protection.
Why Do You Need the Hepatitis A Vaccine?
The Hepatitis A vaccine is particularly important for travellers heading to areas where the virus is prevalent. Contracting Hepatitis A while abroad can disrupt your trip and lead to significant health complications. Beyond travel, the vaccine may also be necessary for those at occupational risk, individuals exposed to an outbreak, or anyone with a medical condition that increases their vulnerability to the virus.
What to Expect When Getting Vaccinated
At TravelJabs4U, we make the vaccination process straightforward and stress-free. Here’s what you can expect:
- Initial Consultation: Our healthcare professionals will assess your travel plans, medical history, and risk factors to determine whether the Hepatitis A vaccine is appropriate for you.
- Vaccine Administration: The vaccine is given as an injection in the upper arm. If it’s your first dose, we’ll schedule a follow-up appointment for the booster.
- Aftercare Advice: Most people experience no or minimal side effects. However, mild redness or soreness at the injection site is common and resolves quickly.
Why Choose TravelJabs4U?
At TravelJabs4U, we prioritise your health and travel safety. With expert staff and convenient appointment times, we provide personalised advice and vaccinations tailored to your itinerary. Our team can answer any questions you have about how long does the vaccine for Hepatitis A last or help you decide which additional vaccines you may need.
In addition to Hepatitis A, we offer vaccinations for other travel-related risks, including typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, Japanese encephalitis, and hepatitis B.
We take the time to ensure you’re fully informed and prepared for your journey, so you can travel with peace of mind.
Book Your Hepatitis A Vaccine Today
Hepatitis A is a preventable disease, and vaccination is the best way to protect yourself. Whether you’re travelling for leisure, work, or humanitarian purposes, the team at TravelJabs4U in London is here to help. Don’t leave your health to chance—book your Hepatitis A vaccine today and enjoy your travels with confidence.
How long does the vaccine for Hepatitis A last? Understand vaccination and learn more about our services by reaching out to us at TravelJabs4U. Our friendly team is ready to support your travel health needs.
Find out what vaccines you need for your destination and book your appointment today! We can supply the Hepatitis A vaccine across London from any one of our branches.
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