Hepatitis A Vaccine

Hepatitis A Vaccine

Hepatitis A vaccine is administered in our travel clinic at Maidstone. You need to just make an online booking and arrive at the clinic at the scheduled time. Other travel and non-travel vaccines and antimalarials are also part of our wide ranging repertoire.

Booking a travel clinic appointment in Maidstone

Hepatitis A vaccine

Hepatitis A vaccine is meant to preventHepatitis A or Hep A. It needs to be administered 2 weeks before the travel. It provides protection for a year after which a booster dose is needed. Post taking the booster dose one doesn’t need Hepatitis A vaccine for next 25 years.

What is Hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A or Hep A, is a viral liver infection that spreads through faeces of an infected person. The hepatitis A virus is generally ingested through contaminated food or water and is endemic to many nations where sanitation and access to safe food and water is a privilege.

Hepatitis A is uncommon in the UK but certain populations are vulnerable. This includes people who visit places with poor sanitation, homosexual men, and those who inject drugs.

Hepatitis A is unfriendly, but it is not very serious, and within a few months most people recover completely. Some people, particularly small children, may not show any symptoms. Hepatitis A can sometimes continue for months and rarely even be fatal.

world-hepatitis-day-concept-with-medical-tools-pills-placed-gray-surface_1150-46815
What are the main symptoms of Hep A?

Hepatitis A symptoms appear approximately 4 weeks post infection, but not everybody gets them.

Main symptoms may include:

  • feeling exhausted and generally ill 
  • a fever 
  • muscular and joint ache
  • loss of appetite 
  • yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
  • pain in the upper right region of your tummy  
  • Pale poo and dark pee 
  • itching of skin
Which are the most at-risk destinations for Hep A?

Hepatitis A is prevalent across the world, but, the following countries have the highest prevalence:

  • the Middle East
  • sub-Saharan and northern Africa
  • the Indian subcontinent (particularly India, Pakistan, Bangladeshand Nepal)
  • some parts of the Far East (excluding Japan)
  • South and Central America
Which group of people are at most risk of Hep A infection?

The risks of contracting hepatitis A in the UK are considerably lower than in many other regions of the world. When travelling, there are quite a few factors that might increase your risk of Hep A infection. These include:

  • travelling to regions with poor sanitation.
  • regions that have poor food and water hygiene. 
  • regions that are high risk for Hep A.
  • If you mix/liv with locals for a extended period of time in high risk area.

Those who may be exposed to hepatitis A owing to their job are at a higher risk. Also, those who inject drugs and homosexual men are at a higher risk.

Advice for travelers

To defend yourself against hepatitis A while travelling, you should be doing the following:

  • Always maintain hand hygiene 
  • take measures for safe food and water intake
  • Before you travel, gauge whether you need to be vaccinated against Hepatitis A.

Private Hep A vaccine in Maidstone

We provide private Hep A vaccination service in Maidstone. You can book your appointment online to receive your vaccination in our travel clinic. 

You and one of our travel health experts will have a consultation in which you will be offered advice on recommended/advised vaccination for your travel destination.

Booking a travel clinic appointment in Maidstone

Maidstone Travel Clinic,
97 Heath Road, Coxheath ME17 4EH

Useful Links