Hepatitis A Vaccine

Travelling abroad? Protect yourself with the Hepatitis A vaccine and other essential travel vaccines from Kamsons Pharmacy.
Whether you’re planning a holiday or a business trip, getting vaccinated is the best way to avoid this serious illness. At Kamsons Pharmacy, we offer convenient travel vaccinations, including the Hepatitis A vaccine, with quick appointments and expert advice from our pharmacists. Stay safe and healthy on your travels!
What is hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is a liver infection caused by a virus that spreads through contact with the faeces of an infected person.
While the infection can lead to unpleasant symptoms, most children and some adults may experience only mild symptoms or none at all. Common symptoms of hepatitis A include:
- A high temperature
- Flu-like symptoms, such as tiredness, headache, and muscle pains
- Feeling sick or being sick
- Pain in the upper tummy
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Pale yellow or pale grey stools
- Dark brown urine
- Itchy skin (sometimes with a raised rash, or hives)
- Yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes (jaundice)

Hepatitis A is most common in regions such as Sub-Saharan and North Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Central and South America. Other high-risk areas include the Indian subcontinent (particularly Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan), as well as parts of the Far East (excluding Japan). For specific recommendations for each country, please visit the Travel Health Pro website.
How is Hepatitis A Spread?
You can contract hepatitis A through:
- Drinking contaminated water
- Eating food that has been washed or grown in unclean water
- Eating food that has been handled by an infected person
- Sharing needles with an infected person
- Having unprotected sex with an infected person
Why get the Hepatitis A vaccine?
Vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself from hepatitis A. The infection can take 3-6 months to recover from and may cause liver complications, so staying protected is crucial. You should consider getting the vaccine if you:
- Are travelling to a high-risk area
- Have had close physical contact with someone infected with hepatitis A
- Have liver disease or blood clotting disorders such as haemophilia
- Are a man who has sex with men
- Work in a high-risk job, such as in sewage or healthcare
If you’re unsure whether you need the vaccine, speak to your Kamsons pharmacist for advice.
Although the vaccine is the best way to protect yourself, there are other precautions you can take to reduce the risk of infection:
- Drink bottled water rather than tap water
- Avoid eating shellfish or uncooked fruits and vegetables
- Wash your hands thoroughly before eating or preparing food
- If having sex, always use a condom or dam

If You Have Hepatitis A
If you contract hepatitis A, you should:
- Limit contact with others for 7 days after symptoms or jaundice begin to reduce the risk of spreading the infection
- Avoid drinking alcohol or preparing food for others
- Do not share needles
- Avoid sexual contact; if you do engage in sex, use a condom or dam to protect your partner
- Rest and drink plenty of fluids, and keep your room well-ventilated
- If you experience itching, avoid hot baths or showers
- Consult a healthcare professional before taking painkillers, as the usual dose may not be suitable for you
Our vaccination service and how it works
Kamsons pharmacies offer travel vaccinations, including the hepatitis A vaccine. To register your interest, simply complete the consultation form below. Our independent prescriber will review your form, next please contact your chosen branch to arrange your appointment.
We aim to complete the process within 2 working days from the time you submit the form to having your vaccine administered.
The Hepatitis A vaccination is available at Kamsons Pharmacy for £63 for one dose, or £110 for the two-dose course.
- One dose provides protection for 1 year.
- A second dose, administered 6-18 months later, offers protection for up to 25 years.
Explore our other available travel vaccinations here.

FAQs
How long will the Hepatitis A vaccine protect me?
The hepatitis A vaccine offers long-lasting protection. After receiving the full two-dose course, it provides up to 25 years of protection. If only a single dose is given, protection lasts for approximately 1 year.
When should I get the Hepatitis A vaccine?
It is recommended to get vaccinated at least 2 weeks before travelling to a region where hepatitis A is common. However, even last-minute vaccination can still offer some protection, so it’s never too late to get the vaccine.
How do I make an appointment?
Once you’ve completed the online consultation form, please wait 48 hours to contact your chosen pharmacy branch to arrange your appointment.
Do I need to bring anything to my appointment?
Please bring some ID with you to your vaccination appointment.