Hepatitis A Vaccine in Longridge, Preston
Hepatitis A vaccination protects against an infection spread through contaminated food and water, recommended for most international destinations.
Suitability is assessed before vaccination. Bring your vaccination records.
At a glance
Ask for advice 4 to 6 weeks before you travel, earlier if you can.
1 dose
Initial dose, then a booster 6 to 12 months later.
Around 25 years with the booster
Previous doses, including combined vaccines, may change what you need.
Injection
What is hepatitis A?
The hepatitis A vaccine protects against a viral liver infection spread through contaminated food and water. It is recommended for travel to most destinations outside Western Europe, North America and Australasia, and is one of the most commonly needed travel vaccines.
Hepatitis A is a virus that spreads in poo, most often through contaminated drinking water, food that has been washed or grown in dirty water, or food handled by someone who is infected. It can also spread through close personal contact. The infection is more common in parts of Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Central and South America, and remains uncommon in the UK. Symptoms can include a high temperature, tiredness, nausea and jaundice, though children and some adults may have very mild symptoms or none at all.
Who should have the hepatitis A vaccine?
Vaccination is recommended for most people travelling to countries with poorer sanitation and hygiene standards, whatever the length or style of the trip. Your destination, length of stay, activities and health all matter, so discuss your plans even for a short holiday or a visit to friends and relatives. A familiar destination does not mean your previous protection is complete.
Who should consider a hepatitis A vaccine?
Your pharmacist confirms what applies to you at your consultation.
For full information, visit the NHS and TravelHealthPro.
Understanding hepatitis A: what you need to know
How the infection spreads and what to look out for, so vaccination sits alongside sensible precautions while you are away.
Key fact
Hepatitis A spreads through contaminated food and water and through close contact with someone who is infected. It is more common in parts of Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Central and South America, so food, water and hand hygiene still matter alongside vaccination.
Recognise the symptoms
Seek prompt medical advice from your GP or NHS 111 if you develop jaundice or feel very unwell during or after travel, and tell them where you have been.
Where the hepatitis A vaccine is recommended
These are the destinations we publish guides for where this vaccine is commonly advised. Your itinerary decides what applies.
Costa Rica
India
Kenya
Malaysia
Mexico
Pakistan
Saudi Arabia
South Africa
Thailand
Hepatitis A Vaccine course and timing
Initial dose, then a booster 6 to 12 months later.
Book this vaccinationLeaving sooner?
It is still worth contacting us. Call with your travel dates so we can discuss what may be possible in the time available.
Arrange the first dose
Ask for advice well before departure so vaccination has time to take effect. If you are leaving sooner, contact the clinic with your dates.
Return for the second dose
A later dose extends protection. The pharmacist confirms the interval for the product you receive and tells you when to return.
Keep a record of both doses
A complete standard course can provide protection for up to 25 years. Further advice depends on your health and whether you remain at risk.
For full information, visit the NHS and TravelHealthPro.
NHS or private hepatitis A vaccination?
Some travel vaccines are free through a GP surgery after a travel risk assessment. Check that route if it suits your dates, and tell us about anything already arranged so our advice takes it into account.
When the NHS is the right route
Hepatitis A is on the NHS list of free travel vaccines. Ask your GP surgery whether it offers travel vaccinations and how to arrange its risk assessment; availability and waiting times vary from surgery to surgery.
Why book privately with us
Suitability and what to expect
Your appointment includes a check of your health and previous vaccines, so the product and schedule are right for you, including for children.
Tell us before your appointment
Your pharmacist will explain whether to vaccinate, adjust the timing or seek further advice. Do not stop prescribed medicines before an appointment.
After your vaccination
Temporary soreness or tenderness where the injection was given is possible. Some people have a headache, mild fever or feel tired. We explain expected effects and when to seek medical advice.
Food, water and hand hygiene still matter. Vaccination does not protect against every infection that can cause travellers’ diarrhoea, so ask about practical precautions and what to carry in your travel kit.
Hepatitis A Vaccine cost
Prices are per dose. A follow-up dose is a separate vaccination, so plan for the full course when comparing costs. We confirm the price before anything is given.
£55
per doseDoses: 1 dose
Follow-up doses are separate vaccinations; the product, your previous doses and the assessment decide the course.
What travellers say about our clinic.
Clear advice, friendly pharmacists and appointments that fit around your plans. Here is what our travel customers have shared.
Hepatitis A Vaccine questions
Practical answers before you book. Anything specific to your trip is covered at your consultation.
What if my second hepatitis A dose is overdue?
Bring details of the first dose, even if it was several years ago. A late second dose may still provide a boosting response, and restarting is not automatically necessary. The pharmacist will check the product and your circumstances before advising.
Does a hepatitis B vaccine also protect against hepatitis A?
A hepatitis B-only vaccine does not protect against hepatitis A. A combined hepatitis A and B vaccine is different and has its own schedule. Bring the name or a record of any vaccine you have received.
Can children have hepatitis A vaccination?
There are hepatitis A vaccines for children, with suitability and dose schedules depending on age and product. Tell us each child’s age and vaccination history when you book.
Do I need it for a resort holiday?
A resort stay does not remove the need to check destination advice. Food and water exposure, your health and any trips outside the resort can affect the assessment. Discuss your itinerary rather than deciding from the accommodation alone.
What if I think I have been exposed to hepatitis A?
Seek prompt medical advice from your GP or NHS 111 rather than waiting for a routine travel appointment. Tell them about the contact or exposure so they can assess any time-sensitive action.
Where can I read the advice for my country?
Start with our country guides, or check TravelHealthPro’s current country information. Include every country on a multi-destination trip when you arrange advice.
Do I need a GP referral for a private vaccination?
No. You can book directly with us for any of the vaccines on this page. Same-day appointments are usually available, and there is no waiting list.
How much do private vaccinations cost?
Individual vaccines range from £40 to £240, and the price includes your appointment with the pharmacist. Meningitis B is priced separately at £140 per dose (£280 for the two-dose course). Get in touch and we will confirm the exact price for the vaccine you need before you book.
Which vaccines can I get free on the NHS instead?
Several, but only for certain ages or groups. Shingles, for example, is free on the NHS from age 65, and whooping cough is offered in pregnancy. If you are not sure whether you already qualify, ask us when you get in touch and we will always tell you honestly rather than sell you something you could get free elsewhere.
Can children have these vaccines?
For suitable vaccines, yes. We will confirm what is appropriate for your child’s age at the appointment. Some services at the clinic, such as blood tests and ear wax removal, are 16 and over, but vaccination age depends on the specific jab.
Is the private vaccine the same as the NHS one?
Yes. We use the same vaccines used in the NHS programmes, for example Shingrix for shingles and the standard MMR vaccine. The difference is convenience and access, not the vaccine itself.
Do you vaccinate for travel?
Travel vaccines are handled separately because the advice depends on where you are going. See our travel health service for hepatitis A, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, Japanese encephalitis and anti-malarial tablets.
How long does each vaccine last?
It varies by vaccine. MMR gives long-lasting protection after two doses; shingles protection is strong but not lifelong; flu is an annual jab. Our pharmacist will explain what to expect for the vaccine you are having.
Can I get more than one vaccine in the same visit?
Often yes, depending on the vaccines. Tell us what you are after when you book and we will advise whether they can be given together or need spacing out.
Other travel vaccinations
Most trips need more than one vaccine. Compare doses and prices across our full range, all given in clinic on Berry Lane.
View all travel vaccinationsSuitability, availability and the number of doses are confirmed at your consultation.
Your hepatitis A vaccination.
A clear next step.
Travel vaccination advice on Berry Lane, serving Longridge, Preston and the Ribble Valley.
Longridge Travel Health Clinic54 Berry Ln, Longridge, Preston PR3 3JPGet directions
Have these details to hand.
They help us arrange the right appointment for your trip.
Prefer to talk? Call 01772 439054.