Hepatitis A is a highly infectious viral illness that affects the liver. It spreads through contaminated food, water, and close contact with someone who already has the infection. Although rare in the UK, Hepatitis A is common across many parts of the world, particularly regions with lower sanitation standards.
Most UK cases occur in travellers returning from high-risk destinations — especially those visiting friends and relatives abroad.
To view country-specific risk information, visit NaTHNaC:
https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/factsheet/20/hepatitis-a
Northfields Travel Clinic provides Avaxim® (adult) and Avaxim Paediatric® (junior) Hepatitis A vaccines.
Hepatitis A is widespread in:
The Indian subcontinent (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka)
Sub-Saharan Africa
North Africa
South & Central America
The Middle East
Southeast Asia & parts of the Far East
Even short holidays in these areas can carry risk — especially when eating locally prepared foods or staying with family.
Vaccination is strongly recommended if you are:
Staying with local relatives or communities
Travelling long-term or frequently
Backpacking or travelling independently
Visiting areas with poor sanitation
Someone with chronic liver disease or haemophilia
A man who has sex with men (MSM)
An injecting drug user
Working in environments where exposure may occur
Travelling to an area experiencing a Hepatitis A outbreak
Children often have mild or no symptoms but can easily spread the virus.
Symptoms typically appear 2–6 weeks after exposure and may include:
Fever
Tiredness
Loss of appetite
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhoea
Abdominal discomfort
Jaundice
Dark urine / pale stools
Dehydration
Illness can last weeks to months. Older adults tend to experience more severe symptoms.
Once recovered, immunity is lifelong.
The majority of infections come from contaminated:
Food
Water
Ice
Unwashed fruit or salad
Hands (poor hygiene)
To reduce risk:
Wash hands regularly and use sanitiser
Drink only bottled or boiled water
Avoid ice, street food and uncooked foods
Avoid shellfish in high-risk regions
Avoid food buffets in remote areas
Even with excellent hygiene, vaccination remains the best protection.
We use Avaxim® for adults and Avaxim Paediatric® for children.
Brand: Avaxim® / Avaxim Paediatric®
Doses: 1 dose + booster
Price: £45 per dose
Protection after 1 dose: 95–99%
Booster: at 6–12 months for long-term protection
Duration of immunity: 25 years to lifelong
Vaccination is suitable for adults and children from 12 months old.
1 dose (adult or junior formulation depending on age)
Booster dose 6–12 months later
After this, protection lasts at least 25 years, likely lifelong
In certain high-risk groups (e.g., immunocompromised), timing may vary — your clinician will advise.
Northfields Travel Clinic provides Hepatitis A vaccination on-site at Bramley Pharmacy, 261 Northfield Avenue, Ealing (W5).
Use our online booking widget to schedule your appointment.
Travel safely, reduce your risk of infection, and protect yourself with long-lasting immunity.
Yes — to achieve long-term protection (25 years+), a booster at 6–12 months is recommended.
Yes. We stock Avaxim Paediatric®, suitable from 12 months of age.
Yes — while some people recover quickly, others can be unwell for months. Older adults often experience more severe illness.
No. Even careful travellers can become infected. Vaccination offers reliable protection.
Yes — it is considered safe when clinically indicated.
NaTHNaC – Hepatitis A
https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/factsheet/20/hepatitis-a
UKHSA – The Green Book (Hepatitis A)
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/hepatitis-a-the-green-book-chapter-17
WHO – Hepatitis A Factsheet
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hepatitis-a