Hepatitis A
Vaccination against hepatitis A isn't routinely offered in the UK because the risk of infection is low for most people.It's only recommended for people at highrisk.
People usually advised to have the hepatitis A vaccine include:
Contact your GP surgery if you think youshould havethe hepatitis A vaccine or you're not sure whether you need it.
There are three main types of hepatitis A vaccination:
Talk to your GP about which vaccine is most suitable for you. All three types are usuallyavailablefor free on the NHS.
If you've travelling abroad, try to plan your vaccinations in advance. They should ideally be started at leasttwo or threeweeks before you leave, although somecan be given up to the day of your departure if necessary.
Extradoses of thevaccine are often recommended after 6-12 months if you need long-term protection.
You can find more information about the various hepatitis A vaccines on the NHS Fit for Travel website .
Some people develop temporary soreness, redness and hardening of the skin at the injection site after having the hepatitis A vaccine.
A small, painless lump may also form, butthis usually disappears quickly and isn't a cause for concern.
Less common side effects include:
Hepatitis A is a liver infection caused by a virus that's spread in the poo of an infected person. Hepatitis A can be unpleasant, but it's not usually serious and most people make a full recovery within a couple of months.
The symptoms of hepatitis A develop, on average, around four weeks after becoming infected and include tiredness, joint and muscle pain, and a mild fever.
Read about how hepatitis A is spread, areas of the world where the infection is most common, and who's most at risk of infection in the UK.
Read about the main treatments for hepatitis A, including what you can do to relieve your symptoms at home and how you can reduce the risk of passing it on.
Find out about the hepatitis A vaccine, including who should have it, which types are available and what the possible side effects are.