Hepatitis A & B - Single or Combined Vaccine
Hepatitis A & B IGP Travel Clinics
Causes: Hepatitis A is transmitted through contaminated food and water.
High-risk Areas: 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.
Those at higher risk of exposure include:
All travellers exposed to poor standards of food and water hygiene or visiting areas with poor sanitation.Those visiting friends and relatives.
Long-term travellers
Travellers should be advised to practice strict food, water and personal hygiene precautions even if vaccinated
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.
Hepatitis A Vaccine Information
The following information should be used as a guide only and not a substitute for medical advice. All vaccinations are only carried out following a Travel Risk Assessment and Consultation. The brand of vaccine we supply may also vary depending on the current supply status of a particular vaccine.
Vaccine Brand: "Havrix Monodose" by GSK
Hepatitis A Junior is also available to children under the age of 16, but is not recommended to children under the age of 12 months.
A blood test will show whether you are already immune to the hepatitis A virus due to previous infection.
Patients should have one injection 4 to 6 weeks before you travel and a booster dose 6 to 12 months later.
It is unnecessary to repeat the primary course if a booster is given within 5 years of the primary vaccination.
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.
Hepatitis A is available as a combined vaccine with Typhoid, and also as a combined vaccine with Hepatitis B. However, The Combined Hep A & Typhoid Vaccine is not recommended for children under 15 years. The Combined Hep A & B Adult Vaccine is not advised for those under 16 years of age. However, there is a Paediatric version available for those aged between 1 - 15 years of age.
Hepatitis A vaccine side effects:
Hepatitis side effects: After having the hepatitis A vaccine, some people develop temporary soreness, redness and hardening of the skin at the injection site. A small, painless lump may also form at the injection site. This usually disappears quickly and is not a cause for concern.Much less common side effects include tiredness, headaches, loss of appetite, nausea and a slightly raised temperature (mild fever) - a normal temperature is 36-36.8C (96.8-98.24F). However, details of possible side effects and special precautions should be discussed during the appointment.
Hepatitis B Vaccine Information
The following information should be used as a guide only and not a substitute for medical advice. All vaccinations are only carried out following a Travel Risk Assessment and Consultation. The brand of vaccine we supply may also vary depending on the current supply status of a particular vaccine.
Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver that can cause flu-like symptoms and liver failure, and can be fatal.
Causes: It is spread through contact with infected blood or body fluids - for example, through sexual intercourse or sharing needles.
High risk areas: Hepatitis B occurs worldwide but, in particular, it may be found in Eastern Europe, Russia, India, China, South and Central America, Africa, South East Asia, and many of the South Pacific islands.
Those at higher risk of exposure include healthcare workers and those who participate in risk behaviour such as needle sharing and unprotected sex. Travellers who receive medical or dental treatment and children (from cuts and scratches) may also be at risk of exposure.
The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for travellers in high risk areas who: have unprotected sex, inject drugs, do relief work, or work in a medical setting or intend to have a tattoo, piercing, partake in a contact sport or undergo acupuncture.
Travellers should be aware that taking the above precautions against Hepatitis B virus will also help to prevent other blood borne viruses, such as HIV and hepatitis C, for which there are no available vaccines.
Vaccine Brand: "Engerix B" by GSK
Several different course schedules are available for Hepatitis B. For full protection, you will need at least three injections of Hepatitis B vaccine over a period of four to six months. An accelerated course can be given over 28 days. However, a booster dose is then recommended
Standard Course - 0, at least 1 month later and then 5 months later after that.
Rapid Course - 0, 1 month, 2months, 12 months later
Very Rapid Course - 0, 7 days, 21 days and 12 months later.
Children under 16 should be advised by the doctor for effective course schedules. The Hepatitis B vaccine can be given from birth.
Hepatitis B is available as part of a combined vaccine - Hepatitis A & B. However, the Combined Hep A & B Adult Vaccine is not advised for those under 16 years of age. A Paediatric version is available for those aged between 1 - 15 years of age.
Hepatitis B side effects: After having the Hepatitis B vaccine, some people develop temporary soreness and redness at the injection site. Severe reactions are rare. Other than some redness and soreness at the site of the infection, side effects to the vaccine are rare. However, details of possible side effects and special precautions should be discussed during the appointment.
All vaccines administered by The IGP are carried out by fully qualified GPs.
* Please be aware that for full immunity some vaccination courses, with more than one vaccine required, may take up to a month or longer. Please, also be aware that many vaccinations will not become fully effective until around 10 - 14 days after the course completion. It is strongly advised that you leave plenty of time to complete the course before your trip. Intervals between different vaccines or doses are recommended, Which allows time for antibodies to be produced and any reaction to the vaccine to subside.
