Hepatitis A & B Vaccination
Protect yourself against Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B before travelling to areas of high prevalence. Individual and combined vaccines available.
Overview
Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B are viral infections that affect the liver. Both are common in many parts of the world and pose a significant risk to travellers. At Gloucester Travel Clinic, we offer individual vaccines for each type as well as a combined Hepatitis A & B vaccine (Twinrix®) for maximum convenience.
Hepatitis A is transmitted through contaminated food and water and is prevalent in regions with poor sanitation, including parts of Africa, Asia, Central and South America, and the Middle East. Even travellers staying in high-quality hotels can be at risk from contaminated ice, salads, or shellfish.
Hepatitis B is transmitted through infected blood and bodily fluids. It's particularly prevalent in Sub-Saharan Africa, East Asia, and the Pacific Islands. Travellers may be at risk through medical or dental treatment abroad, tattooing, piercing, sexual contact, or accidents requiring blood transfusion.
Vaccine Options & Pricing
| Vaccine | Doses | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A (Havrix) | 1 + booster | £55 per dose |
| Hepatitis B (Engerix-B) | 3 doses | £45 per dose |
| Combined A & B (Twinrix) | 3 doses | £90 per dose |
Who Should Be Vaccinated?
Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for travellers to:
- Africa, Asia, Central and South America, the Middle East
- Eastern Europe and parts of the Mediterranean
- Any region with limited access to clean water and sanitation
Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for:
- Long-stay travellers (more than 1 month) to high-prevalence areas
- Healthcare workers, aid workers, and volunteers
- Those who may engage in activities that increase risk (contact sports, medical treatment abroad, tattooing)
- Travellers who may have sexual contact with new partners abroad
Side Effects
Both vaccines are very well tolerated. Common side effects are mild and include:
- Soreness or tenderness at the injection site
- Mild headache or fatigue for 1–2 days
- Occasionally, a slight temperature
Serious side effects are extremely rare. Our pharmacists will discuss any concerns before vaccination.