Hepatitis A Vaccine in Great Yarmouth

Are you planning an international trip and need a hepatitis A vaccine in Great Yarmouth?

Look no further than the Online Chemist Travel Clinic! Our expert pharmacists are here to ensure you get the protection you need before you travel.

Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. It is typically spread through contaminated food and water, making vaccination crucial for travelers to certain destinations. Symptoms can include fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, and jaundice.

The hepatitis A vaccine is the most effective way to prevent this infection and ensure a safe trip.

Dose required: 2 doses (0, 6-12 months)
Price: £80 per dose

Book Your Hepatitis A Vaccine in Great Yarmouth

OnlineChemist Travel Clinic
82 Middleton Road
Gorleston, Great Yarmouth
Norfolk NR31 7AH
Tel: 01493 600610

NaTHNaC approved centre

a proud member of

What is Hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). It is typically spread through the ingestion of contaminated food or water or through direct contact with an infectious person.

The virus causes inflammation of the liver, which can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).

Unlike hepatitis B and C, hepatitis A does not cause chronic liver disease and is usually self-limiting, meaning it resolves on its own without long-term complications.

Vaccination is available and is an effective way to prevent infection.

Sign and Symptoms of Hepatitis A

The signs and symptoms of hepatitis A typically appear within 2 to 7 weeks after exposure to the virus and can range from mild to severe. Common signs and symptoms include:

Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired and weak.
Sudden nausea and vomiting: Loss of appetite and digestive discomfort.
Abdominal pain or discomfort: Usually around the liver area (upper right side of the abdomen).
Clay-colored bowel movements: Pale or grayish stools.
Dark urine: Urine may appear much darker than usual.
Joint pain: Aches in the joints.
Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes.
Fever: A low-grade fever.
Intense itching: Itching all over the body.
Diarrhea: Especially common in children.

These symptoms usually last less than two months, but some people can be ill for as long as six months. Not everyone with hepatitis A will develop all these symptoms, and some people, especially young children, may have no symptoms at all.

Risk Factors of Hepatitis A

Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of contracting hepatitis A. These include:

Traveling to or living in areas with high rates of hepatitis A: Especially countries with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water.
Close contact with an infected person: Living with or caring for someone who has hepatitis A.
Sexual contact: Particularly with someone who has hepatitis A or engaging in certain sexual practices, such as oral-anal contact.
Consuming contaminated food or water: Eating food or drinking water that has been contaminated with the virus.
Being in settings with poor sanitation: Such as homeless shelters or institutions with inadequate hygiene facilities.
Using recreational drugs: Both injecting and non-injecting drug use can increase the risk.
Working in certain occupations: Jobs that involve close contact with travelers, such as in healthcare or childcare, may pose higher risks.
Having chronic liver disease: People with pre-existing liver conditions are at higher risk for severe complications if they contract hepatitis A.

Preventive measures, including vaccination and maintaining good hygiene practices, are essential for those at higher risk.

How it Spreads?

Hepatitis A spreads primarily through the fecal-oral route, meaning the virus is ingested from objects, food, or drinks contaminated with the feces of an infected person. Specific ways it spreads include:

Contaminated Food and Water: Consuming food or beverages prepared or handled by an infected person who hasn’t washed their hands properly can transmit the virus. This is especially common in areas with poor sanitation.
Close Personal Contact: Direct contact with an infected person, such as through household interactions, caring for an infected person, or sexual contact, can spread the virus.
Poor Hygiene: Not washing hands after using the bathroom or changing diapers, and then touching objects, food, or mouth.
Eating Raw or Undercooked Shellfish: Shellfish harvested from contaminated water can carry the virus and transmit it to those who consume it.
Contact with Infected Surfaces: Touching surfaces or objects contaminated with the virus and then touching the mouth.

Proper hygiene practices, such as regular handwashing, especially after using the bathroom and before preparing food, along with vaccination, are effective ways to prevent the spread of hepatitis A.

Prevention of Hepatitis A

Preventing hepatitis A involves several strategies, primarily focused on vaccination and maintaining good hygiene practices. Key preventive measures include:

Vaccination:
- The hepatitis A vaccine is highly effective and is recommended for all children at age 1, travelers to areas with high rates of hepatitis A, people with chronic liver disease, and other high-risk groups.
- The vaccine is usually given in two doses, six months apart.
Good Hygiene Practices:
- Handwashing: Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before preparing or eating food.
- Safe Food Handling: Ensure food is cooked properly, especially shellfish, and avoid eating raw or undercooked shellfish.
- Clean Water: Drink bottled or boiled water if you are in an area with unsafe drinking water.
Safe Travel Practices:
- When traveling to areas with high rates of hepatitis A, avoid consuming untreated water and foods that might be contaminated.
- Use bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth, and avoid ice cubes made from tap water.
Avoiding Close Contact with Infected Individuals:
- Be cautious when caring for someone who is infected and ensure they maintain good hygiene.
- Use protective measures such as gloves when handling potentially contaminated materials.

These preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of contracting hepatitis A.

Hepatitis A Vaccination

The hepatitis A vaccine is a highly effective preventive measure against hepatitis A, a contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). It’s typically administered as a two-dose series, with the second dose given 6 to 18 months after the first. The vaccine stimulates the body’s immune response, providing protection against the virus.

Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for:

Travellers: Those planning to visit regions with high rates of hepatitis A, especially countries with poor sanitation and hygiene standards.
Certain Populations: Individuals at increased risk of exposure to HAV, including healthcare workers, men who have sex with men, people with chronic liver disease, and individuals using illicit drugs.
Routine Vaccination: In some countries, hepatitis A vaccination is part of routine childhood immunization schedules to prevent the spread of the virus in the community.

Hepatitis A vaccine schedule:

2 doses – 0, 6-12 months

Boosters:

None, 25-30 years protection

Age restrictions:

Over 1 year

How much will it cost?

Vaccine – £80 per dose
No consultation fee

Hepatitis A vaccine information Leaflets:

VAQTA Adult

VAQTA Paediatric

Traveling soon? Make sure you’re protected against hepatitis A. Get vaccinated!

Why Get Hepatitis A Vaccine?

The hepatitis A vaccine is a crucial preventive measure against hepatitis A, a severe liver disease primarily spread through close contact with an infected person or ingestion of contaminated objects, food, or drinks.

Symptoms typically include fatigue, stomach pain, nausea, and jaundice, although young children may be asymptomatic. Importantly, infected individuals can transmit the virus even without symptoms.

While most recover fully, hepatitis A can lead to liver failure and death, particularly in older adults and those with pre-existing liver conditions.

In the UK, widespread vaccination efforts have significantly reduced hepatitis A cases, although sporadic outbreaks still occur among unvaccinated populations.

Is Hepatitis A Vaccine Free in the UK?

In the UK, the hepatitis A vaccine is not routinely offered for free as part of the National Health Service (NHS) vaccination program, except for certain high-risk groups. Those who may be eligible for a free hepatitis A vaccination include:

People traveling to or living in areas where hepatitis A is common.
Individuals with chronic liver disease.
Men who have sex with men.
People who use intravenous drugs.
Those who might be exposed to the virus through their work, such as laboratory staff or sewage workers.

For others, the hepatitis A vaccine can be obtained through travel clinics, private healthcare providers, or some pharmacies (Like Online Chemist Travel Clinic), but there may be a cost involved. It’s advisable to check with your GP or local health services for specific details and eligibility.

Where Can I Get Hepatitis A Vaccine?

If you need a hepatitis A vaccine in Great Yarmouth, visit the Online Chemist Travel Clinic, a proud member of the International Society of Travel Medicine (ISTM). Our centrally located clinic offers convenient, affordable, and expert vaccination services to ensure you’re protected for your travels. Book your appointment today and travel with confidence!

Our Travel Clinic is based in Gorleston, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR31 7AH.

For more information or to book your vaccination, visit the Online Chemist Travel Clinic.

More Information

Hepatitis A vaccine information Leaflets:

VAQTA Adult

VAQTA Paediatric

Hepatitis A Basics: CDC information

Hepatitis A Vaccination: CDC