Planning a trip abroad? Managing a health condition that puts you at risk? Or simply making sure your vaccinations are up to date? Whatever your reason for being here, the hepatitis A vaccine is one of the most straightforward and effective ways to protect yourself, and at Pharmacy M, accessing it could not be simpler.
In this guide, our pharmacists walk you through everything you need to know: what hepatitis A is, who needs the vaccine, how much it costs privately in the UK, and how to book an appointment at a travel vaccination clinic near you.
What Is Hepatitis A and Why Should You Be Vaccinated?
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious viral infection that affects the liver. Unlike hepatitis B or hepatitis C, it does not cause long-term liver damage in most cases, but it can make you seriously unwell for several weeks. In older adults or those with existing liver conditions, it can be severe.
The virus spreads primarily through contaminated food and water, meaning it is most common in areas with poor sanitation. You can also contract it through close contact with someone who is already infected.
Symptoms of hepatitis A include:
- Jaundice, which is a yellowing of the skin and eyes
- Fatigue and loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain, particularly around the liver
- Dark urine and pale stools
- High temperature
Symptoms typically appear two to four weeks after exposure and can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months. There is no specific treatment for hepatitis A once you have it, which makes prevention through vaccination all the more important.
The hepatitis A vaccine is safe, highly effective, and fast-acting. A single dose given before travel provides strong protection within two weeks.
Who Needs the Hepatitis A Vaccine in the UK?
The hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for a broader range of people than many realise. You should consider getting vaccinated if you fall into any of the following groups.
Travellers to higher-risk destinations. This is the most common reason people seek the hepatitis A vaccine in the UK. The infection is prevalent across much of South and Southeast Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, Central and South America, and parts of Eastern Europe. If you are visiting these regions, particularly if you will be eating street food, staying in local accommodation, or travelling off the beaten track, vaccination is strongly recommended.
People with chronic liver disease. If you have a pre-existing liver condition such as cirrhosis, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C, contracting hepatitis A can be significantly more serious. Vaccination is an important precaution.
Men who have sex with men. Hepatitis A can also be transmitted sexually, and outbreaks have been recorded in the UK among this group. The vaccine is recommended as a preventative measure.
People who inject drugs. Sharing needles or equipment raises the risk of hepatitis A transmission.
Those in close contact with a confirmed case. If someone in your household or close social circle has hepatitis A, vaccination can offer post-exposure protection if given promptly.
Food handlers and those working in early years or care settings. While this applies more to occupational health assessments, it is worth discussing with our pharmacists if your work involves food preparation or close contact with vulnerable individuals.
If you are unsure whether the hepatitis A vaccine is right for you, our pharmacists are here to help. You do not need a referral. Simply book an appointment at Pharmacy M or walk into your nearest branch.
Is the Hepatitis A Vaccine Available on the NHS?
The hepatitis A vaccine is available on the NHS, but only for specific high-risk groups. These include people with chronic liver disease, men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, and those travelling to high-risk destinations as part of certain occupational roles.
For the majority of people seeking the vaccine before travel, it is not routinely provided free of charge through the NHS. GP practices vary considerably in whether they offer travel vaccinations at all, and waiting times can be a real issue if your trip is approaching quickly.
For a full breakdown of what is and is not covered, take a look at our guide to NHS travel vaccinations and what is included.
This is where a private travel vaccination clinic like Pharmacy M offers a clear advantage. We offer same-day and next-day appointments, no GP referral is needed, and our pharmacists can advise on your full pre-travel vaccination needs in a single visit.
Hepatitis A Vaccine UK Cost: What to Expect
One of the first questions people ask is: how much does the hepatitis A vaccine cost in the UK?
At a private pharmacy, the hepatitis A vaccine UK cost typically falls between £55 and £85 per dose. The exact price can vary depending on the provider and whether you opt for a single hepatitis A vaccine or a combined hepatitis A and typhoid vaccine.
At Pharmacy M, we offer clear, upfront pricing with no hidden charges. Here is what your appointment includes:
- A pre-vaccination consultation with one of our NHS-accredited pharmacists
- Administration of the vaccine by a trained professional
- A brief post-vaccination check to make sure you are feeling well
- Written aftercare guidance and a personal vaccination record
We believe that knowing what you are paying for, and why, is part of good care. Our pharmacists will confirm the exact cost of your vaccination at the time of booking and are always happy to answer any questions about what is included.
Planning multiple vaccines for your trip?
If you would like to combine your HPV vaccination with a travel health consultation, we recommend booking online so we can set aside the right amount of time for your appointment.
Is a Combined Hepatitis A and Typhoid Vaccine Available?
Yes. If you are travelling to a destination where both hepatitis A and typhoid are a risk, a combined vaccine is available that covers both infections in a single injection. This is a popular option for travellers heading to South Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, or Central America, where both diseases are prevalent.
The combined vaccine is administered as a single dose at least two weeks before travel. It is a convenient, practical choice if you want to minimise the number of injections and appointments needed before your trip.
At Pharmacy M, our pharmacists will advise on whether the combined vaccine is appropriate for your destination and health history. You can find out more on our travel health and vaccine clinic page, or go straight to our dedicated typhoid vaccine page for full details on the typhoid element of the combined course.
Hepatitis A Vaccine UK: How Many Doses Do You Need?
The hepatitis A vaccine is given as a two-dose course:
- First dose: provides strong protection within two weeks and covers you for approximately one year
- Booster dose: given 6 to 12 months after the first dose, this extends protection for up to 25 to 30 years in most people
For most travellers, a single dose before departure is sufficient to provide protection for the duration of their trip. However, completing the full two-dose course is strongly recommended for anyone who travels regularly or wants long-term protection without having to think about it again.
If you had your first dose years ago but never received the booster, it is not too late. The booster is effective even if there has been a significant gap since your initial dose. Our pharmacists can check your vaccination history and advise on exactly what you need.
If you are travelling soon and are concerned about timing, do not wait. Even a single dose administered a week or two before departure offers meaningful protection. You can book your hepatitis A booster at Pharmacy M and we will work around your schedule.
Hepatitis A vs Hepatitis B: What Is the Difference?
Hepatitis A and hepatitis B are both viral infections that affect the liver, but they are caused by different viruses, spread in different ways, and carry different long-term risks. Understanding the difference helps you make an informed decision about which vaccinations are right for you.
Hepatitis A spreads through contaminated food and water, and through close contact with an infected person. It is typically an acute illness, meaning most people recover fully within a few months. It does not usually become a chronic or long-term condition.
Hepatitis B spreads through blood, sexual contact, and contaminated needles. Unlike hepatitis A, hepatitis B can become a chronic infection, leading to long-term liver damage, cirrhosis, or liver cancer in some cases. It is significantly more prevalent globally than hepatitis A.
Both infections are vaccine-preventable, and both vaccinations are available at Pharmacy M.
If you are travelling to a destination where both infections are a risk, or if you have lifestyle or occupational risk factors for hepatitis B, our pharmacists may recommend getting vaccinated against both. A combined hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccine, known as Twinrix, is available and offers protection against both infections over a three-dose course.
You can find full details about the hepatitis B vaccine at Pharmacy M, including who needs it, what the course involves, and how to book.
Where to Get the Hepatitis A Vaccine Near You
If you are searching for travel vaccines near you or a travel vaccination clinic near you, Pharmacy M offers a local, accessible solution with no long waits and no GP referral needed.
We offer:
- Online booking: choose your preferred date and time in advance, complete a short pre-appointment health questionnaire, and arrive ready for your vaccination
- Walk-in appointments: if you need your vaccine urgently or simply prefer to come in without booking, we welcome walk-in patients at all of our branches
- Same-day availability: in most cases, we can offer a same-day or next-day appointment for the hepatitis A vaccine
- Combined pre-travel consultations: if you need multiple vaccines before your trip, we can arrange a single comprehensive appointment to cover everything in one visit
Our pharmacists are trained travel health professionals who will take the time to understand your destination, your itinerary, and your health history before making personalised recommendations. This is not a conveyor belt service. It is the kind of thoughtful, individual care that busy travellers deserve.
Use our branch finder to find your nearest Pharmacy M, or book a travel vaccination appointment online right now.
NHS Travel Vaccinations vs Private Travel Clinic: Which Is Right for You?
If you are wondering whether to seek NHS travel vaccinations or visit a private clinic, here is a straightforward breakdown to help you decide.
NHS travel vaccination services are limited. Not all GP practices offer travel health appointments, and those that do may only provide a small number of vaccines. Hepatitis A is not always available on the NHS for travel purposes, and waiting times can be several weeks, which is not helpful if your departure date is approaching.
A private travel vaccination clinic like Pharmacy M offers a more comprehensive service. We stock the full range of travel vaccines, offer same-day and next-day appointments, and our pharmacists have the time to give you tailored, destination-specific advice. You will leave with a clear vaccination plan and a record of everything you have received.
For the majority of travellers, particularly those with imminent departure dates or multi-destination itineraries, a private travel clinic is the most practical and reliable option. Find out more about our full range of travel health services and what we can cover in a single appointment.
What to Expect at Your Hepatitis A Vaccination Appointment
We know that for some people, visiting a clinic for a vaccination can feel daunting. Here is exactly what happens when you come to Pharmacy M for your hepatitis A vaccine, so there are no surprises.
Step 1: Consultation. Your pharmacist will ask you a few brief questions about your health history, any allergies, current medications, and your travel plans. This is a confidential conversation designed to make sure the vaccine is safe and appropriate for you.
Step 2: Vaccination. The hepatitis A vaccine is given as a single injection into the upper arm. It takes only a moment, and most patients describe it as no more uncomfortable than a mild pinch.
Step 3: Post-vaccination observation. We ask you to stay with us for a short period after the injection, usually around 10 to 15 minutes. This is standard practice and gives our pharmacist the opportunity to ensure you feel well before you leave.
Step 4: Aftercare and vaccination record. Before you go, we will give you written guidance on what to expect over the next day or two, and a record of your vaccination including the dose, batch number, and date. Keep this somewhere safe, as you may need it for future travel or medical appointments.
The whole appointment typically takes around 20 to 30 minutes, including the consultation. If you are combining the hepatitis A vaccine with other travel vaccinations, we will allow a little more time to cover everything properly. Book your appointment at Pharmacy M online to get started
Hepatitis A Vaccine Side Effects: What Is Normal?
The hepatitis A vaccine has a strong safety record and is well tolerated by the vast majority of adults. Any side effects that do occur are generally mild and resolve within a day or two.
Common side effects include:
- Soreness, redness, or mild swelling at the injection site
- Headache
- Fatigue or feeling generally tired
- Mild fever
- Loss of appetite
These are all normal responses to vaccination and are a sign that your immune system is building its defences. They do not require treatment beyond rest and, if needed, a standard painkiller such as paracetamol.
Serious reactions to the hepatitis A vaccine are extremely rare. If you experience anything unusual, persistent, or severe after your vaccination, please contact us or seek medical attention promptly.
If you have any concerns before your appointment, including known allergies or previous reactions to vaccines, please mention this during your consultation. You are always welcome to speak to our pharmacy team ahead of your visit if you would like to talk things through first.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the hepatitis A vaccine last?
A single dose of the hepatitis A vaccine provides protection for approximately one year. If you receive the booster dose 6 to 12 months after your first dose, protection is extended for up to 25 to 30 years in most people.
Can I get the hepatitis A vaccine at short notice before travel?
Yes. A single dose provides strong protection within two weeks, so even if your trip is approaching quickly, it is absolutely worth getting vaccinated. At Pharmacy M, we offer same-day and next-day appointments in most cases, so do not delay.
Is the hepatitis A vaccine safe during pregnancy?
The hepatitis A vaccine is an inactivated vaccine, meaning it does not contain live virus. While it is generally considered safe in pregnancy, we recommend discussing this with our pharmacist at your consultation so we can take your individual circumstances into account.
Can the hepatitis A vaccine be given at the same time as other travel vaccines?
Yes. The hepatitis A vaccine can be given alongside most other travel vaccines, including typhoid, hepatitis B, and others. Our pharmacists will plan the most practical schedule for your pre-travel appointments.
Do I need the hepatitis A vaccine if I have had it before?
If you received a full two-dose course at any point in the past, you are likely protected for several decades and may not need a repeat. If you only ever had a single dose and never received the booster, it is worth coming in so our pharmacist can review your vaccination history and advise accordingly.
Still have a question that is not covered here? Contact our pharmacy team and we will be happy to help.
The hepatitis A vaccine is one of the simplest and most effective steps you can take before travelling to a higher-risk destination, and access has never been easier. At Pharmacy M, our NHS-accredited pharmacists offer same-day appointments, transparent pricing, and the kind of personalised advice that makes pre-travel health preparation feel manageable rather than overwhelming.
Whether you need just the hepatitis A vaccine, a combined hepatitis A and typhoid vaccination, or a full pre-travel health consultation, we are here to help. Book online today or walk into your nearest Pharmacy M branch, because protecting yourself before you travel should be the easiest part of the trip.
