What is Hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). It is most commonly spread through contaminated food and water, particularly in regions with poor sanitation. While hepatitis A is usually self-limiting — meaning most people recover fully — it can cause significant illness lasting several weeks.

Travellers visiting South Asia, Africa, Central and South America, and parts of Eastern Europe are at increased risk. The hepatitis A vaccine is one of the most commonly recommended travel vaccinations in the UK.

What is Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a potentially life-threatening liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Unlike hepatitis A, hepatitis B is transmitted through blood, sexual contact, and sharing needles. It can become a chronic (long-term) condition that may lead to liver cirrhosis or liver cancer if left untreated.

Healthcare workers, people with multiple sexual partners, and travellers to high-prevalence regions are among those most commonly recommended for hepatitis B vaccination.

Head-to-Head: Key Differences

 

Feature	Hepatitis A Vaccine	Hepatitis B Vaccine
Disease type	Viral liver infection (HAV)	Viral liver infection (HBV)
Transmission	Contaminated food & water	Blood, sexual contact, needles
Severity	Usually self-limiting	Can become chronic
Who needs it	Most international travellers	Healthcare workers, at-risk groups, travellers
Doses required	2 doses (6–12 months apart)	3 doses over 6 months
Duration of protection	Up to 25+ years	Long-term (boosters may be needed)
NHS availability	Available on NHS if indicated	Available on NHS for at-risk groups
Combined vaccine	Twinrix combines both	Twinrix combines both

 

Which vaccine do you need?

The vaccine you need depends on your personal circumstances, destination, and lifestyle risk factors:

• Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for most travellers heading outside Western Europe, North America, and Australia.
• Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for healthcare workers, people with chronic conditions, frequent travellers to high-risk countries, and those at lifestyle risk.
• Twinrix is a combined hepatitis A and B vaccine — ideal if you need protection against both and want to reduce the number of injections.

At Chertsey Pharmacy, our trained pharmacists will assess your individual needs and recommend the most appropriate vaccination course for you.

Side effects of hepatitis vaccines

Both hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines are well-tolerated. The most commonly reported side effects include:

• Soreness, redness, or mild swelling at the injection site
• Mild fatigue or headache
• Low-grade fever (more common in children)

Serious allergic reactions are very rare. Our pharmacists observe all patients after vaccination to ensure your safety.

How long does protection last?

Hepatitis A: After receiving two doses (typically 6 to 12 months apart), protection lasts for up to 25 years or more in most adults.

Hepatitis B: A 3-dose course typically provides long-term protection, potentially lifelong for many individuals. Healthcare professionals may undergo antibody testing to confirm ongoing immunity.

Book your Hepatitis vaccine at Chertsey Pharmacy

Not sure whether you need hepatitis A, B, or both? Book a consultation with our pharmacists for expert, personalised advice.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I get the hepatitis A and B vaccine at the same time?

Yes. Hepatitis A and B vaccines can be administered simultaneously at separate sites, or as the combined Twinrix vaccine. This is safe and reduces the total number of injections required.

Q2. Is the hepatitis A vaccine free on the NHS?

The hepatitis A vaccine is available on the NHS when it is considered medically necessary — for example, for individuals with liver disease or those working in high-risk settings. For travel purposes, it is generally provided as a private service. At Chertsey Pharmacy, we offer competitive pricing for travel vaccinations.

Q3. How soon before travel should I get the hepatitis A vaccine?

Ideally at least 2 to 4 weeks before departure to allow full immunity to develop. However, even a single dose given shortly before travel provides significant protection. Do not delay — contact Chertsey Pharmacy as soon as your trip is confirmed.

Q4. Do children need the hepatitis B vaccine?

In the UK, the hepatitis B vaccine is included in the routine childhood immunisation schedule as part of the 6-in-1 vaccine given to babies. Adults who missed this or who are at elevated risk may need a course of hepatitis B vaccinations.

Q5. Is the hepatitis B vaccine suitable for pregnant women?

The hepatitis B vaccine is considered safe during pregnancy and is often recommended for pregnant women who are at risk of infection, as transmission from mother to baby during birth is possible. Always discuss your personal circumstances with our pharmacists before receiving any vaccination during pregnancy.