Vaccine
Vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended if you are travelling to countries where the virus is common, such as the Indian subcontinent, Africa, central and south America, the Far East and eastern Europe.
Your GP can give you a vaccination for hepatitis A on the NHS. Travel health clinics can also give this vaccination, but there may be a small charge.
A blood test will show whether you are already immune to the hepatitis A virus due to previous infection. Otherwise, you should have one injection 4 to 6 weeks before you travel and a booster dose 6 to 12 months later.
Protection against hepatitis A begins two weeks after the first dose of hepatitis A vaccine. An initial vaccination plus booster dose is believed to give protection for over 10 years.
Immunoglobulin
If you have been in close contact with an infected person or you do not have time for the vaccination before you travel, you can get short-term protection (lasting three to six months) from an injection of antibodies called immunoglobulin. Immunoglobulin must be given within two weeks of exposure to the hepatitis A virus for maximum protection.
Good hygiene
An important prevention against hepatitis A is good personal hygiene. Washing your hands well and frequently can help protect you against a number of infections, viruses and bacteria.
It is essential to wash your hands after using the toilet and before preparing or eating food. Extra precautions include not sharing towels, eating utensils or toothbrushes.
