Hepatitis A Travel Vaccination

At Kennedy’s Pharmacy, we offer a Travel Vaccination Service which provides protection from a wide range of diseases, including Hepatitis A alongside malaria, hepatitis B, rabies and yellow fever. We will be able to recommend what type of protection is best for you and it will be provided in either tablet form or as a vaccine.

We provide vaccine certificates for all administered vaccines including Yellow Fever. For more information and advice for specific countries and protection please contact us by phone.

Always leave sufficient time (6 - 8 weeks) before your travel plans to receive your vaccination. As always, your health and safety should be a top priority.

Making a Travel Vaccination Appointment

Booking for this service is currently made by telephoning either of our pharmacies in Rasharkin or Dunloy.

At present Travel Vaccines are offered mainly in our Rasharkin pharmacy with our pharmacist, Martin McPeake who has completed specialist training in Travel Health.

Tel: 028 2957 1124 (Rasharkin)

You can also leave your details with the form at the bottom and Martin will be in touch to help or get started!

At your initial consultation, Martin will advise you on what you need to do in order to meet the requirements for safe travel to your particular destination, as well as General Travel Health Advice and self-care. It would also be helpful to have the following information for this appointment:

Personal Details
Country of destination plus travel itinerary
Duration of travel
Medication history
Vaccination history

What is Hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is a viral infection that spreads through contaminated food and water and is prevalent in numerous countries with inadequate sanitation and limited access to safe food and water.

Hepatitis A Vaccination Course Details

The Hepatitis A vaccination is taken as an injection, typically in the arm and consists of one dose with a booster after 6-12 months for longer protection.

Hepatitis A Vaccination: Important Information

Vaccine Timing: It is recommended to receive the Hepatitis A vaccine at least two weeks before travel to help provide optimal protection.

Booster Shots: A booster will provide long-term cover and should preferably be taken within 6-12 months of the first vaccine.

If you have received an Hepatitis A booster before, you won't need any boosters for a further 25 years.

Vaccine Administration: The Hepatitis A vaccine is administered via an injection.

Duration of Protection: The vaccine can protect you from Hepatitis A for one year.

Side Effects: Side effects of the vaccine depends on individual circumstances and can include fever, soreness at the injection site and tiredness.

Additional Precautions: In addition to getting vaccinated, you need to practise food and personal hygiene safety.

Risk of Contracting Hepatitis A: Hepatitis A can result in symptoms ranging from mild to severe, including fever and digestive issues. Additionally, it has the potential to lead to complications such as liver failure.

It is crucial to prioritise your health and take the necessary precautions by getting vaccinated against Hepatitis A before travelling. Please consult with a healthcare professional for personalised advice and to address any specific concerns you may have. Stay safe and enjoy your journey without the worry of Hepatitis A.

Safety Tips To Help Avoid Hepatitis A

Here are some tips to practice food safety, water hygiene, and hand hygiene to help prevent hepatitis A.

Wash Hands Thoroughly:
- Always wash your hands with soap and water before handling food, after using the restroom, and after changing diapers.
Safe Water Practices:
- Consume only safe and clean water. If unsure about the water source, consider using bottled water.
Proper Food Handling:
- Cook all seafood, meat, and poultry thoroughly to eliminate any potential contaminants.
Hygienic Food Preparation:
- Use separate cutting boards for raw meat and other foods to avoid cross-contamination.
- Keep raw and cooked foods separate to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria.
Personal Hygiene:
- Avoid touching your face, especially your mouth and nose, with unwashed hands.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when sneezing or coughing.
Practice Good Sanitation:
- Ensure that restroom facilities are clean and well-maintained, and encourage the use of proper sanitation practices in your community.

By incorporating these habits into your daily routine during your travels, you can reduce the risk of contracting hepatitis A and promote overall health and well-being.

Remember that Hepatitis A prevention involves a combination of personal hygiene, safe food and water practices, alongside, vaccination.

Prices Per Vaccine

Prices are accurate from December 2023 but may fluctuate depending on cost prices at the time of consultation.

Vaccine	Price
Cholera	£60
Diphtheria, tetanus and polio	£35
Hepatitis A	£65
Hepatitis B	£55
Hepatitis B Paediatric	£30
Hepatitis A and B combined	£79
Japanese Encephalitis	£95
Meningococcal ACWY	£60
Rabies	£85
Tick-borne encephalitis	£65
Typhoid	£35
Yellow Fever	£70

Anti-Malarial Tablets Priced per Prescription for duration of trip

Frequently Asked Questions

What countries are at risk of Hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A occurs worldwide but is most commonly found in parts of Africa, Asia, Central and South America, and it is most prevalent in areas with poor sanitation.

For most travellers, exposure to Hepatitis A comes from eating contaminated food or water. Contamination can also be passed from person to person via poor hygiene.

What are the risk of Hepatitis A?

It can take up to two weeks for any signs or symptoms develop and the severity of the virus ranges; in young children, infection may show mild or no symptoms, but it can be a serious illness in older people. Common signs and symptoms of Hepatitis A include: fever, muscular aches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, weight loss, abdominal pain and yellow discolouration of the skin and eyes.

How far in advance of travel should I get my travel vaccine?

It is best to check with the pharmacist as to when your vaccine course should commence. It is best to contact Martin as soon as possible so that we can ensure you receive the best protection whilst you are travelling allowing you to concentrate on enjoying your trip.

Is there a cost for the travel vaccination service?

There is a cost for your initial consultation and any additional cost will depend on your individual situation. The pharmacist will be able to advise.