Protect Yourself from Hepatitis A and B

At our pharmacy, we offer the following Hepatitis vaccines at these prices:

• Hepatitis A: £100 for the full course (2 doses at £50 each)
• Hepatitis B: £150 for the full course (3 doses at £50 each)
• Combined Hepatitis A and B: £195 for the full course (3 doses at £65 each)
• Accelerated Hepatitis B course: £200 for the full course (4 doses)

Please note that the Hepatitis A vaccine is also available free of charge on the NHS, but only through your GP surgery. However, not all GP surgeries provide travel vaccination services, and you may need to book your appointment up to 8 weeks in advance.

Our pharmacy team will always inform you about the travel vaccines you can receive free of charge on the NHS, including Typhoid, Tetanus/Diphtheria/Polio, Hepatitis A, and Cholera. If you prefer a more convenient option, you can choose to receive your vaccination privately with us.

If you are considering the vaccine for travel purposes we also offer a travel vaccine advice consultation for £10, which is refundable if you choose to vaccinate with us. During this consultation, we can help you determine which vaccines are necessary for your travel plans and discuss any other travel health needs.

Hepatitis A:

• Caused by the hepatitis A virus
• Transmitted through contaminated food, water, or close contact with an infected person
• Symptoms include fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, and jaundice
• Usually clears up on its own within a few weeks to months
• Higher risk for travellers to areas with poor sanitation, men who have sex with men, and people who inject drugs

Hepatitis B:

• Caused by the hepatitis B virus
• Transmitted through contact with infected blood, semen, and other body fluids
• Can cause both acute and chronic liver infection
• Symptoms similar to hepatitis A, but can lead to chronic liver disease and liver cancer if untreated
• Higher risk for healthcare workers, people who inject drugs, and those having unprotected sex with new partners

Both viruses are more common in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water.

Hepatitis A Vaccine: The Hepatitis A vaccine contains inactivated (killed) hepatitis A virus. When administered:

• It stimulates your immune system to produce antibodies against the hepatitis A virus.
• These antibodies act like a defensive army, ready to recognize and fight off the real virus if you’re exposed in the future.
• The vaccine is highly effective, with nearly 100% of people developing protective antibodies after two doses.
• Even if exposed to hepatitis A, vaccinated individuals are unlikely to develop the disease.

Hepatitis B Vaccine: The Hepatitis B vaccine contains a small part of the hepatitis B virus called the surface antigen. When given:

• It triggers your immune system to produce antibodies specific to this part of the virus.
• These antibodies provide a strong defence against future hepatitis B infections.
• The vaccine is very effective, with over 90% of healthy adults and 95% of children developing immunity after completing the series.
• Vaccinated individuals are protected from both acute and chronic hepatitis B infections.

Combined Hepatitis A and B Vaccine: This vaccine combines the components of both individual vaccines:

• It stimulates the production of antibodies against both hepatitis A and B viruses simultaneously.
• This dual protection prepares your body to fight off both viruses if exposed in the future.
• The combined vaccine is just as effective as the individual vaccines, offering convenience with fewer injections.
• It provides comprehensive protection against two different but serious liver infections.

For all these vaccines, the protection they offer builds up over time as you complete the recommended doses. While a single dose offers some protection, completing the full course is crucial for long-lasting immunity. Even in the rare cases where vaccinated individuals contract hepatitis A or B, the diseases are typically much milder than in unvaccinated people.

All Hepatitis vaccines are administered as an injection just under the skin, usually in the upper arm.

Hepatitis A:

• Schedule: Two doses: Initial dose, followed by a booster 6-12 months later.
• Timing Before Travel: The first dose should ideally be given at least 2 weeks before travel.

Hepatitis B:

• Schedule: Typically three doses: Initial dose, second dose after 1 month, third dose after 6 months.
• Accelerated Schedule: Doses at 0, 1, and 2 months, with a booster at 12 months.
• Timing Before Travel: Start at least 6 weeks before travel if using the accelerated schedule.

Combined Hepatitis A and B:

• Schedule: Three doses: Initial dose, second dose after 1 month, third dose after 6 months.
• Accelerated Schedule: Doses at 0, 7, and 21 days, with a booster at 12 months.

Travel Considerations:
If you’re unsure about your vaccination needs, we offer a travel health consultation for £10, which is refundable if you choose to vaccinate with us. During this consultation, we can create a personalised vaccination plan tailored to your specific travel plans and health status.

Hepatitis A: Protection lasts up to 25 years after completing the two-dose course.

Hepatitis B: Provides long-term protection, potentially lifelong, after completing the course.

Combined A/B: Offers the same protection as individual vaccines.

Routine boosters are not typically recommended within these timeframes for most individuals. However, those with certain medical conditions or ongoing risk factors may need to discuss earlier booster doses with their GP.

The Hepatitis A and B vaccines are recommended for:

• Travellers to areas where hepatitis A or B is common.
• Healthcare workers.
• People who inject drugs.
• Men who have sex with men.
• Individuals with chronic liver disease.

Age Restrictions:

• Hepatitis A: Suitable for adults and children from 1 year old.
• Hepatitis B: Can be given from birth.
• Combined A/B: Available for adults and children from 1 year old.

Health Considerations:

• Inform your healthcare provider if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, have allergies, or have a weakened immune system.

Common side effects of the Hepatitis vaccine include:

• Soreness at the injection site
• Mild fever
• Fatigue
• Headache

What to do:

• Mild side effects can usually be managed with rest and over-the-counter pain relievers. Most symptoms resolve within a few days.
• Seek immediate medical attention if you experience difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, or dizziness. For urgent concerns, contact NHS 111.
• For persistent or severe symptoms, please contact your GP.

If you’ve received your vaccine from us and have concerns about side effects, please contact us for advice.

For Hepatitis A:

• Practise good hand hygiene
• Be careful with food and water consumption
• Avoid raw or undercooked foods

For Hepatitis B:

• Avoid unprotected sex with new partners
• Don’t share needles, razors, or toothbrushes
• Be cautious about medical or cosmetic procedures involving needles

You can purchase travel health supplies when you visit us for your vaccination. We’d be happy to advise you on the best products for your trip.

There are no specific restrictions before your appointment, but if you’re feeling unwell or have a fever, it’s best to reschedule.

Please inform a member of our team of any current medications, health conditions, or recent vaccinations.

Bring any relevant medical records and arrive 5 minutes early to complete necessary paperwork. If you are bringing a child for vaccination, please bring photo identification to confirm you are the legal guardian.

Yes, hepatitis A, B, and the combined A/B vaccines can generally be given alongside other vaccines; however, each should be administered at a different injection site.

Always inform your vaccinator about any recent or scheduled vaccinations to ensure proper timing and effectiveness.

If you miss a dose, get it as soon as possible. You don’t need to restart the series, but it’s important to complete the full course for optimal protection. Contact us for advice on adjusting your schedule.

You can check your vaccination status by:

• Reviewing your personal health records or vaccination booklet
• Using the NHS app, if you have access
• Contacting your GP surgery

If any other people in your booking are aged 18 or over, you will need to have their consent to book the appointment on their behalf.

If anyone in your booking is under 18, you will need to provide their legal guardian’s details and they must be accompanied to the appointment by their legal guardian.

We’ll send you an appointment confirmation email, which can be used to reschedule your appointment. Alternatively, the email will also contain the contact details for the pharmacy. Please call the pharmacy as soon as you can to let them know if you can’t make it to your appointment. They’ll be able to help you if you need to reschedule. We appreciate advance notice so we can offer the appointment to another patient.

The Hepatitis B vaccine is provided free on the NHS as part of the routine childhood vaccination schedule for all babies born on or after 1 August 2017.

Hepatitis B vaccines may be available free on the NHS for individuals at high risk, such as:

• Men who have sex with men
• People who inject drugs
• Close contacts of someone with hepatitis B
• People with certain medical conditions

Hepatitis A may be provided free on the NHS by your GP surgery for travel purposes if you are travelling to a high risk country, but it is best to check with your GP if they are able to provide this.

For travel purposes, Hepatitis B is not typically provided free on the NHS. Check with your GP for your specific situation.

For the most up-to-date information, consult:

• The Hepatitis Section of the NHS website
• Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B pages on the NHS Fit For Travel website
• The GOV.UK page for any destination that you are considering travelling to

The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your GP or another qualified healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

Do not ignore professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The content here is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any illness and does not replace professional medical consultation.

For urgent medical advice, you can contact NHS 111 or your GP. In case of a medical emergency, call 999 immediately. Reliance on any information provided by this website is at your own risk.

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The content on this page was last reviewed by a member of the pharmacy team on August 5.