Vaccination against Hepatitis A is not routinely offered in the UK because for most people, the risk is low. Hepatitis A is usually only a problem if you are travelling to parts of the world where the disease is widespread. If you are looking for the hepatitis travel vaccination in Leighton Buzzard or the hepatitis travel vaccination in Walsall then contact Touchwood Pharmacy’s travel clinic. We also offer the hepatitis travel vaccination in Bromley.
Immunisation against Hepatitis A
There are three main types of Hepatitis A vaccines which protect against the Hepatitis A virus.
- A vaccine for hepatitis A only (HepA vaccine)
- A combined vaccine for Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B
- A combined vaccine for Hepatitis A and typhoid fever
Your GP or travel clinic can advise you on which is the best vaccination for your needs.
Hepatitis A Infection Prevented
If you are travelling abroad, vaccinations should be given at least two or three weeks before you leave. Some vaccines can be given on the day of departure if necessary. If you require long-term protection then it is possible to have extra doses of the vaccine around six to twelve months after the initial innoculation.
Which Parts of the World have High Levels of Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is spread through faecal matter so the disease is more widespread in parts of the world where sanitation is poor and there are low standards of food hygiene. These include the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East, Sub-Sharan and northern Africa and South and Central America.
In these countries, you can get Hepatitis by eating food prepared by someone who has the infection and how has not washed their hands or, who has washed in water contaminated with sewage. You can also contract Hepatitis A by drinking contaminated water (this includes ice cubes) or eating raw or uncooked shellfish from contaminated water.
If you are travelling to a part of the world where Hepatitis A is endemic then you should have the Hepatitis A vaccine before you go. Consult Touchwood Pharmacy for the hepatitis travel vaccination in Leighton Buzzard, the hepatitis travel vaccination in Walsall. We also offer the hepatitis travel vaccination in Bromley.
