Hepatitis A vaccination

What is hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is an inflammation of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus. This is often reflected in non-specific general symptoms or with gastrointestinal complaints and jaundice. In rare cases, cases of severe progression or death occur among people over 40 years of age. Chronic cases do not occur.
Hepatitis A is transmitted from person to person via contact or smear infection (fecal-oral) or through consumption of contaminated food such as lettuce fertilized with faeces, mussels from polluted marine areas or through contaminated drinking water. Hepatitis A is found worldwide, but particularly in places with poor sanitation conditions and inadequate drinking water controls.

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Who should be vaccinated against hepatitis A?

If you are planning a trip to South and Eastern European countries or to Africa, Asia, South and Central America, you should get vaccinated. The risk of infection in these countries is 1:500 per month of stay — regardless of travel style.

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How and when is hepatitis A vaccination carried out and what must be considered?

Hepatitis A vaccination is a dead vaccine and is often given in combination with hepatitis B or typhoid fever.
The primary vaccination course is given in two doses at least 6 months apart. The protection lasts at least 10 years, presumably even over 25 years.
In general, the vaccination is very well tolerated. However, 10% of people vaccinated experience short-term general health disorders such as headaches or fatigue.

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What should I do next?

To find out which vaccinations are appropriate for your planned trip, simply arrange a Appointment for travel medicine consultation in one of our avi practices and talk to our team of doctors. The team will tell you what you should consider so that you can travel safely and with peace of mind on your next trip.