Travel plans often raise questions about vaccines. You might wonder how long the Hepatitis A vaccine lasts, whether you need a booster, and if your protection will still be there when you travel. This guide gives simple, clear information to help you plan with confidence.
That’s where Hodgson Pharmacy in Longfield comes in. As a trusted local pharmacy near Dartford and Gravesend, we run a travel health clinic and can check your vaccination history, give Hepatitis A vaccines if needed, and provide practical advice to help you stay safe on your trip. This article explains what you need to know about how long the Hepatitis A vaccine lasts and how to plan for travel health.
What Is Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is a liver infection caused by a virus. It can make you feel unwell with symptoms such as fever, tiredness, stomach upset and sometimes yellowing of the skin or eyes. The virus usually spreads through contaminated food or water, or by close contact with someone who has the infection. It is more common in some countries where sanitation and food safety may be different. Prevention is important because a simple vaccine can provide reliable protection.
What Is the Hepatitis A Vaccine?
The vaccine helps your body recognise the Hepatitis A virus and fight it off if you meet it. It is given as injections and trains your immune system to respond quickly. The vaccine is usually given in two doses, but some people have protection after a single dose for a limited time. Travellers to places where Hepatitis A is common are often advised to have the vaccine, as are people with existing liver conditions or certain jobs such as food handling. A healthcare professional can advise you on what is right for you.
How Long Does the Hepatitis A Vaccine Last?
The short answer is that the protection lasts for a long time, especially after the full two-dose course. After one dose, protection begins within a couple of weeks and can last for six to twelve months. The second dose, given six to twelve months after the first, provides longer lasting protection that can last many decades in most people. Evidence from long term studies shows that immunity can persist for many years after completing the full course.
If you are planning to travel soon, a single dose still gives useful protection for your trip, while completing the full two-dose schedule gives longer term protection for future travel as well.
Do I Need a Booster?
Booster doses are not routinely needed for most people who have completed the two-dose schedule. If your vaccine history is unclear or you had vaccines a long time ago, your clinician may suggest a booster to make sure you are still protected. If you are unsure about your vaccine history, a healthcare professional can review it and advise you on whether a booster is appropriate.
Hepatitis A vs Hepatitis B: What Are the Differences?
Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B are two different infections. Hepatitis A spreads mainly through contaminated food and water, while Hepatitis B spreads through blood and body fluids. The vaccines protect against each virus and the protection length is different depending on the vaccine. There are combined Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B vaccines, which can be useful for travellers who may be exposed to both viruses. Many travellers are advised to consider both vaccines to stay safe.
Is the Hepatitis A Vaccine Safe?
The Hepatitis A vaccine has a strong safety record. Most people have no side effects beyond a sore arm, a slight fever, or feeling a little tired for a day or two. Serious reactions are very rare. People who should talk to a healthcare professional before vaccination include those with a severe allergy to any vaccine component, and those who are pregnant or breastfeeding should discuss benefits and risks with their clinician.
What If I Am Not Sure If I Have Had the Vaccine?
If you cannot find your vaccination records, don’t worry. Your GP or a pharmacist can help check your history. If records are missing or unclear, it is usually safe to have another dose. A travel health check at Hodgson Pharmacy Longfield can help determine what you need and plan boosters if required.
Travel Health: Why Timing Matters
Timing matters when you are travelling. Try to get the Hepatitis A vaccine at least two weeks before you travel to give your body time to build protection. If travel is imminent, talk to a pharmacist about what you can do now. Other travel vaccines that are commonly recommended alongside Hepatitis A include typhoid and vaccines for diseases found in your destination. A personalised travel health plan from a pharmacist is the best way to stay safe on your trip.
How Hodgson Pharmacy Can Help
Hodgson Pharmacy offers travel vaccine services in Longfield. We provide personal consultations to discuss your travel plans, review your vaccine history, and arrange the right vaccines and booster doses if needed. Our team can answer questions about timing, safety, and what to expect during and after vaccination. With friendly, local care, we aim to make travel health simple and reassuring.