Hepatitis A Vaccine – Safe and Effective Protection at Corbett Pharmacy Droitwich Travel Clinic

Introduction: Why I Always Recommend the Hepatitis A Vaccine for Travellers

As Chief Pharmacist and Travel Clinic Lead at Corbett Pharmacy in Droitwich, one of the vaccines I recommend most often is the Hepatitis A vaccine.

Hepatitis A is a viral liver infection spread through contaminated food and water. It’s one of the most common illnesses picked up by travellers abroad, particularly in parts of Asia, Africa, and South America. While most people recover fully, the illness can cause weeks of severe fatigue, jaundice, and digestive upset – potentially ruining your trip and affecting your health long after you return.

The good news is that Hepatitis A is entirely preventable with a safe and effective vaccine.

➡️ If you’re travelling soon, don’t wait – book your Hepatitis A vaccine at our Droitwich Travel Clinic.

What is Hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is caused by the Hepatitis A virus (HAV), which infects the liver.

Symptoms of Hepatitis A include:

• Tiredness and weakness

• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea

• Loss of appetite

• Abdominal pain

• Dark urine and pale stools

• Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)

While Hepatitis A usually resolves within weeks, recovery can be slow, and in rare cases, it may cause acute liver failure.

For more details, see NHS – Hepatitis A.

How is Hepatitis A Spread?

Hepatitis A spreads through the faecal-oral route – meaning you can catch it by consuming contaminated food or water.

Common sources of infection include:

• Eating food prepared with poor hygiene

• Drinking untreated water or ice cubes

• Eating raw or undercooked shellfish

• Close contact with infected individuals

Unlike Hepatitis B, Hepatitis A is not spread through blood or sexual contact – it’s primarily linked to sanitation and food hygiene.

Where is Hepatitis A Common?

Hepatitis A is present worldwide, but risk is highest in:

• South Asia – India, Pakistan, Bangladesh

• South-East Asia – Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia

• Africa – especially sub-Saharan Africa

• South America – Brazil, Peru, Bolivia

• Middle East – including Saudi Arabia, particularly for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims

➡️ If you’re travelling to these regions, you should strongly consider vaccination: Book Now.

How Does the Hepatitis A Vaccine Work?

The vaccine contains an inactivated form of the virus that trains your immune system to fight off future infection.

Hepatitis A vaccine schedule at Corbett Pharmacy – Droitwich Travel Clinic:

• Single injection provides protection for up to 1 year

• A booster dose after 6–12 months extends protection to at least 20 years

• Available for adults and children over 1 year old

➡️ Learn more: Hepatitis A Vaccine – Droitwich Travel Clinic

Who Should Get the Hepatitis A Vaccine?

I recommend the Hepatitis A vaccine for:

• Travellers to Asia, Africa, South America, and the Middle East

• People visiting friends and relatives in high-risk countries

• Long-term travellers, aid workers, and volunteers

• Children travelling abroad (higher risk due to food hygiene exposure)

• Pilgrims travelling for Hajj and Umrah

Even short holidays to high-risk destinations can carry risk, especially if you’re eating food prepared locally.

Other Vaccines Often Combined with Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is often given alongside:

• Typhoid – both are food and waterborne

• Hepatitis B – available as a combined A+B vaccine course

• Cholera – for humanitarian workers or high-risk areas

• Rabies – for rural or animal contact risk

• Tetanus – for wound protection

➡️ I can put together a complete vaccine plan for your trip: Book Your Appointment.

Hepatitis A vs. Hepatitis B – What’s the Difference?

Many travellers choose the combined Hepatitis A+B vaccine for full protection.

Side Effects of the Hepatitis A Vaccine

The vaccine is very safe, with mild and temporary side effects in some cases.

Common mild side effects:

• Soreness or redness at the injection site

• Mild fever

• Headache or tiredness

Rare side effects:

• Allergic reaction (very rare)

I always check your medical history before vaccination to make sure it’s safe for you.

Food and Water Safety Tips

Even with vaccination, I always advise travellers to follow safe food and water practices:

• Drink bottled or boiled water only

• Avoid ice unless you know it’s from safe water

• Eat freshly cooked food served hot

• Avoid raw seafood and shellfish

• Peel fruit and vegetables yourself

These habits help reduce risk not only for Hepatitis A but also for Typhoid and Cholera.

Frequently Asked Questions – Hepatitis A Vaccine

1. How long does the Hepatitis A vaccine last?
One dose protects for up to 1 year. With a booster, protection lasts at least 20 years.

2. Can children get the Hepatitis A vaccine?
Yes – it’s safe for children over 1 year old.

3. How soon before travel should I get vaccinated?
At least 2 weeks before travel, though earlier is better.

4. Is the Hepatitis A vaccine free on the NHS?
Very rarley. At Corbett Pharmacy, we provide it privately for travel.

5. Do I need Hepatitis A if I’m only going to Europe?
Usually not. It’s mainly recommended for Asia, Africa, South America, and the Middle East.

6. Can I get Hepatitis A and B together?
Yes – we provide a combined Hepatitis A+B vaccine course.

7. What if I don’t get the booster?
You’ll still have protection for up to 1 year. A booster extends this much further.

Why Choose Corbett Pharmacy – Droitwich Travel Clinic for Your Hepatitis A Vaccine?

Patients across Droitwich, Worcester, and Worcestershire come to us because:

• We stock the Hepatitis A vaccine with flexible appointment times

• I (Aran Bassi) personally deliver every consultation

• We offer combined Hepatitis A+B vaccine courses for convenience

• We provide all travel vaccines in one place

• Our clinic is conveniently located at 36 Corbett Avenue, Droitwich WR9 7BE

➡️ Book your Hepatitis A vaccine today.

Conclusion: Stay Protected from Hepatitis A Before You Travel

Hepatitis A is one of the most common travel-related infections, but it’s also one of the easiest to prevent. With a simple, safe vaccine, you can travel to Asia, Africa, or South America with peace of mind.

At Corbett Pharmacy – Droitwich Travel Clinic, I’ll make sure you’re fully protected with the right vaccines for your destination.

➡️ Book your Hepatitis A vaccine now.

Written by:
Aran Bassi
Chief Pharmacist & Travel Clinic Lead
Corbett Pharmacy – Droitwich Travel Clinic
36 Corbett Avenue, Droitwich, WR9 7BE
📞 01905 795618