Hepatitis A vaccine

The hepatitis A vaccine is the best way to make sure you cannot get the condition.

The hepatitis A vaccine has been used for many years, all over the world. Some people will get a sore spot or lump in the place where the vaccine was given. Or feel generally a bit unwell for a day or two afterwards. Serious side effects are extremely rare.

Because hepatitis A is so rare in the UK, the NHS does not vaccinate everyone against it.

But you can ask your GP for a free hepatitis A vaccine if:

• You have a long-term liver condition
• You have recently been in close contact with someone who has hepatitis A
• You are travelling to an area where hepatitis A is common
• You are a man who has sex with men
• You have a blood clotting condition e.g. haemophilia

Not all GP surgeries offer travel vaccines. If your surgery does not, they should be able to tell you where to get the vaccine in your area.

The hepatitis A vaccine uses a dead (inactivated) virus. So it is safe for people who are immunosuppressed to have the vaccine.

If your job means you are at risk from hepatitis A, your employer should organise a vaccine for you. For example if you are a sewage worker, you work in a large care institution, or you work in a microbiology or infectious disease laboratory.

If you might have already picked up hepatitis A, the vaccine can still help. You will need to have it within 14 days of getting the virus. If you have a long term (chronic) liver disease, or if you are immunosuppressed, you might have another treatment as well as the vaccine. This is called human normal immunoglobulin or HNIG. It contains antibodies to help you fight off the hepatitis A virus.

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Other ways to prevent hepatitis A

• Use a condom or dam when you have sex
• Do not use a shared needle to inject drugs

If you are travelling somewhere where hepatitis A is common:

• Always wash your hands well before eating or preparing food
• Only drink bottled water
• Do not eat raw fruits and vegetables
• Do not eat shellfish

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