Another booster dose of hepatitis A vaccine after 20 years can be given to those people still at risk of infection. If you are late with this second dose, you should have it as soon as possible but you don't need to start with the first dose again. How long does a hepatitis A vaccine last?Ī second dose of the vaccine 6-12 months after the first gives protection for about 20 years. However, the vaccine may still be advised even if there is less than two weeks before you travel. Ideally, you should have an injection at least two weeks before travel to allow immunity to develop. These antibodies protect you from illness should you become infected with this virus. The vaccine causes your body to make antibodies against the virus. The first dose of the vaccine protects against hepatitis A for about one year. The hepatitis A single vaccine is given as two doses. A combined vaccine may be useful if you require protection against both diseases. Some just protect against hepatitis A, but there are also some combined vaccines for both hepatitis A and hepatitis B or hepatitis A and typhoid fever. There are a number of different hepatitis A vaccines available. Injecting drug usersĭrug users who share drug injecting equipment are also thought to have an increased risk of hepatitis A infection and so should consider vaccination. Therefore, vaccination of staff and residents of some institutions may be recommended. Outbreaks of hepatitis A have been associated with large residential institutions for people with learning difficulties, where standards of personal hygiene among clients or patients may be poor. Staff of some large residential institutions People exposed to hepatitis A at workįor example, laboratory workers who are exposed to hepatitis A during their work and sewage workers are advised to be immunised against hepatitis A. Hepatitis A infection is not more common in those with chronic liver disease but, if infection does occur, it can cause a more serious illness. If you have a persistent (chronic) liver disease (for example, cirrhosis) it is suggested that you have the hepatitis A vaccine. In particular, washing hands after going to the toilet or before eating. The most important measure for anybody with hepatitis A is good personal hygiene. Close contacts of someone found to have hepatitis A infection (for example, family members or other members of the institution) may be offered vaccination. Occasional outbreaks of hepatitis A occur in the UK within families or in institutions. Close contacts of someone with hepatitis A You can find out if immunisation against hepatitis A is recommended for any countries you are planning to visit from the NHS website Fitfortravel. This leaflet is just about vaccination to help prevent hepatitis A infection. See the separate leaflet called Hepatitis A for more details. If you catch hepatitis A, the illness is not usually serious but it may ruin a holiday or business trip. In the UK, most cases of hepatitis A are seen in people who have recently returned after travelling to such countries. Hepatitis A infection can occur in the UK but it is more common in countries where there is poor sanitation or where disposal of sewage is poor. The hepatitis A virus is passed out in the stools (faeces) of infected people and infection is usually spread by eating dirty (contaminated) food or drink. The illness is not usually serious and full recovery is usual but the symptoms can be quite unpleasant for a while. However, some people who are infected do not develop any symptoms (a subclinical illness). Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes ( jaundice).The virus mainly causes inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis A is an illness caused by the hepatitis A virus. Check with your practice nurse at least two weeks before you travel to see if you should have this vaccination.
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