Hepatitis A & B Vaccine: Do You Need Both Before You Travel?
Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B are infections that affect the liver.
Both are preventable with vaccines. Both can cause serious illness in travellers.
Travellers from Fulham, Kensington, Putney, Hammersmith, Chelsea, Battersea and wider West London often ask the same question. Do I really need both vaccines before I travel.
This blog explains what each infection is, how the vaccines work and which journeys usually need Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B or the combined course.
What is Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A spreads mainly through food and water contaminated with infected faeces. It is linked to poor sanitation and lower hygiene standards. nhs.uk
Risk is higher in parts of Asia, Africa, the Middle East, South and Central America and Eastern Europe. nhs.uk
Symptoms can include tiredness, fever, nausea, abdominal pain and jaundice where the skin and eyes become yellow. Most people recover fully but it can be severe, especially in older adults.
Travellers are at greater risk when eating street food, drinking untreated water, staying with local families or visiting rural areas with very basic facilities.
What is Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B spreads through blood and body fluids. This includes unprotected sex, sharing needles, medical or dental treatment with poor infection control, and some contact sports.
It is found worldwide but is more common in parts of Sub Saharan Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Southern and Eastern Europe and South America.
In some people infection lasts a short time and clears. In others it becomes long term and can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure or liver cancer.
Travellers are more at risk if they may need medical care abroad, plan tattoos or piercings, have new sexual partners or stay for long periods.
Hepatitis A vaccine who should consider it
The Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for travellers to areas where sanitation and hygiene are poor and Hepatitis A is common. nhs.uk
Typical higher risk trips include:
- Backpacking or gap year travel
- Visiting friends and relatives and eating home prepared food
- Long stays in rural or semi rural areas
- Working in settings with limited clean water
The standard course is a single early dose followed by a booster between six and twelve months later. Two doses provide long lasting protection for many years. nhs.uk
Ideally you should receive the first dose at least two weeks before you travel, although even a later dose is still better than no protection.
Hepatitis B vaccine who should consider it
The Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for travellers to areas where Hepatitis B is more common, particularly if their activities may involve blood or body fluids. nhs.uk
You should discuss Hepatitis B vaccine if:
- You might have new sexual partners while away
- You are volunteering in clinics, schools or community projects
- You may need medical or dental procedures abroad
- You are planning tattoos or piercings on your trip
- You take part in contact sports or adventure activities with injury risk
- You are staying for months rather than days
The usual schedule involves three injections. Depending on how soon you travel, the course can run over several months or be compressed into a shorter accelerated timetable. nhs.uk
Protection is long lasting for most people once a full course is complete.
Combined Hepatitis A and B vaccine
A combined vaccine is available that protects against both Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B in a single course.
For many travellers this is convenient because it reduces the number of separate injections and appointments.
Schedules vary. There are standard timetables spread over several weeks and accelerated options for late bookings. Your pharmacist can match the schedule to your departure date.
People who often choose the combined vaccine include long term travellers, those visiting family in higher risk countries and workers who may face both food and blood related risks.
Do you need both vaccines
The decision depends on your destination, trip type and planned activities. A short city break in a high standard hotel is different from a long rural stay.
Your pharmacist at Fulham Palace Pharmacy can run through a checklist with you during a travel consultation.
Safety, side effects and who should seek advice
These vaccines have been used for many years and have good safety records.
Common side effects include a sore arm, mild headache, low fever or feeling tired for a day or two. These usually settle without treatment.
You should seek medical advice if you feel very unwell, notice difficulty breathing or develop a rash, particularly soon after the injection. Serious reactions are rare.
People who are pregnant, have immune conditions or severe allergies should discuss their situation with a clinician so that the timing and choice of vaccine is appropriate.
When to arrange your vaccination
It is sensible to seek travel advice six to eight weeks before you travel. This leaves time to complete courses and for protection to build.
If your trip is sooner there are accelerated schedules, and even a single early dose may still reduce risk. Bring any existing vaccination records to your appointment so your schedule can be completed accurately.
How Fulham Palace Pharmacy can help
Fulham Palace Pharmacy provides a travel clinic for people living and working in Fulham, Kensington, Putney, Hammersmith, Chelsea, Battersea and across West London.
Our trained pharmacists can:
- Review your destination and itinerary
- Explain whether Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B or the combined vaccine fits your risk
- Plan a schedule that matches your departure date
- Offer other relevant travel vaccines and malaria advice where required
You can book online, phone the pharmacy for advice or visit in person to arrange an appointment. Current prices for travel vaccines are listed on the pharmacy website.
Common questions from local travellers
Can I receive Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B vaccines on the same day?
Yes. Separate vaccines can be given at the same visit in different arms, or a combined vaccine can be used when suitable.
Is one dose enough before my holiday?
Some protection starts after the first dose, especially for Hepatitis A. A full course gives better and longer protection, so it is important to complete the schedule where possible. nhs.uk
How long do Hepatitis A and B vaccines last?
Hepatitis A protection after two doses usually lasts for many years. Hepatitis B protection after a full course is long lasting and many people do not need routine boosters. nhs.uk
Are the vaccines safe with my regular medicines?
Most people can receive these vaccines alongside usual medication. Always bring an up to date list of your medicines so the pharmacist can check for any specific concerns.
Planning travel to India and similar destinations
Many people from West London travel to India to see family, for work or for holidays. Hepatitis A, Typhoid and a Tetanus and Polio booster are often recommended.
Hepatitis B is advised if you may stay longer, plan medical or dental treatment, or have close contact with local communities.
You do not usually need Yellow fever vaccine for India unless you are arriving from a country where Yellow fever is present.
Vaccines are not generally mandatory for entry for most travellers from the United Kingdom, but several are strongly advised for personal protection.
You can travel without vaccines, yet the risk of preventable illness is higher. A short appointment at Fulham Palace Pharmacy helps you weigh that risk in a calm and structured way.
Travel vaccine costs vary by vaccine type and number of doses. Staff at Fulham Palace Pharmacy can explain the current prices before you decide.
Key points to remember before you go
Hepatitis A is mainly linked to food and water. Hepatitis B is linked to blood and body fluids. Many trips, especially to higher risk regions, need protection against one or both.
If you live in Fulham or nearby areas such as Kensington, Putney, Hammersmith, Chelsea or Battersea, Fulham Palace Pharmacy can provide clear advice and convenient travel vaccination appointments.
To plan safely, book online, visit the pharmacy or call for personalised travel vaccine guidance before your next journey. ✅
