Hepatitis A and B vaccination

About the vaccine

• When to get vaccinated: At least five weeks before travelling.
• Course: The vaccine schedule you need depends on your age and when you are travelling.
  You may require 3 or 4 doses to be fully protected against both diseases. The nurse or pharmacist will assess which schedule is suitable for you.
• Accelerated course:   In some cases, an accelerated course maybe suitable. The accelerated course consists of three doses prior to travel and a fourth dose 12 months later to fully complete the course. The second dose is given one week after the first dose and the third dose is given two weeks after the second dose.
• Boosters:  You Once you have completed the full course you will be protected against hep A for 25 years and against hep B for 5 years.
  If you remain at risk of either disease after your protection runs out you may need a booster.
• How it is given: An injection in the upper arm.
• Side effects: Very common side effects include pain or redness at the injection site. Common side effects include fever, headache and digestive problems.
• Children: The vaccine can be given to children over the age of 12 months.
• Additional precautions: You need to practise food safety as well as water and hand hygiene while in an area where hepatitis A is endemic. If travelling to a country where medical resources are limited, carry sterile needles with you and avoid getting piercings or tattoos. Use a condom every time you have sex to avoid catching hepatitis B during sex.