If you’re getting ready for an overseas trip, it’s easy to focus on your itinerary and forget about travel health protection. But one thing worth planning ahead for is your hepatitis vaccine before travel. According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), 217 travel-associated cases of hepatitis A were reported in England in 2023, highlighting that the risk is still present for unvaccinated travellers. Understanding when to get your hepatitis A and B jabs can make all the difference in keeping you protected throughout your journey.
What Is the Hepatitis Vaccine, and Why Is It Needed Before Travel?
The hepatitis vaccine helps protect against viral infections that affect the liver. These infections can be transmitted through contaminated food, water, or blood — risks that can be higher when travelling abroad.
There are two main types of hepatitis vaccines used for travel:
- Hepatitis A vaccine: protects against infection caused by contaminated food or water.
- Hepatitis B vaccine: protects against infection spread through blood and bodily fluids.
Getting your hepatitis travel vaccine in the UK before your trip ensures your body has time to develop immunity.
When Should You Get the Hepatitis Vaccine Before Travel?
Ideally, you should receive your hepatitis vaccine at least four to six weeks before travelling. This allows enough time for your body to build protection. However, even if your trip is sooner, our pharmacists can provide personalised pre-travel vaccination advice and help you catch up on your schedule where possible.
How Long Before Travel Should You Get the Hepatitis A Vaccine?
The hepatitis A vaccine is usually given as a single dose, followed by a booster six to twelve months later. The first dose offers good protection after about two weeks, which is why early vaccination is strongly advised.
How Long Before Travel Should You Get the Hepatitis B Vaccine?
Hepatitis B vaccination typically requires three doses over a period of six months. The second dose follows one month after the first, and the third comes five months later. For last-minute travellers, an accelerated schedule can be arranged so you can still get effective protection before you go.
What Is the Recommended Hepatitis Jab Schedule?
The hepatitis A and B vaccination timing can vary depending on your destination, travel duration, and health status. Below is a general outline:
- Hepatitis A: One initial dose, followed by a booster 6–12 months later for long-term protection (up to 20 years).
- Hepatitis B: Three doses over six months, or a faster four-dose course for urgent travel.
- Combined Hepatitis A and B vaccine: Often given over a three-dose course in six months, or an accelerated schedule if needed.
Can I Get Both Hepatitis A and B Vaccines Together?
Yes. A combined vaccine protects against both types and is suitable for travellers to regions where the risk of both infections is high.
What If I Miss a Dose?
If you miss a scheduled dose, you don’t need to restart the series. You can simply continue from where you left off. Our team can review your vaccination record and help you complete your course safely.
Where Can You Get Travel Vaccinations in the UK?
You can get your travel vaccinations in the UK from certified travel clinics. Anna Pharmacy offers a full range of travel vaccinations, including the hepatitis A and B jabs, along with expert pre-travel vaccination advice.
Why Choose a Travel Clinic for Hepatitis Vaccines?
Visiting a trusted travel clinic ensures:
- You receive the correct vaccine type and dosage for your destination.
- Your vaccination records are updated accurately.
- You get professional advice about other essential travel vaccines, such as typhoid or yellow fever.
It’s always best to book your vaccines as soon as your trip is confirmed — particularly if you’re travelling to areas where hepatitis infection is common.
Complete Pre-Travel Vaccination Care at Anna Pharmacy
At Anna Pharmacy, our pharmacists provide reliable guidance on hepatitis vaccination timing, protection schedules, and other essential travel health services. We help you plan your hepatitis vaccine before travel so you can travel with confidence and peace of mind.
Book an appointment at Anna Pharmacy for expert advice and complete protection before your next trip abroad.
FAQs
- How many weeks before travel should I get the hepatitis vaccine?
It’s best to get your hepatitis vaccine at least four to six weeks before travelling. This allows enough time for your body to develop protection, especially if you need multiple doses for hepatitis B or the combined hepatitis A and B vaccine.
- Can I get the hepatitis vaccine if my trip is in less than a month?
Yes. If you’re travelling soon, you can still get vaccinated. Our pharmacists can arrange an accelerated hepatitis jab schedule, where doses are given closer together to build protection more quickly before your departure.
- How long does the hepatitis A and B vaccine protection last?
Clinical studies reviewed by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show that completing the full course of the hepatitis A vaccine provides immunity lasting up to 20 years in most adults. The hepatitis B vaccine has demonstrated long-term, and in many cases lifelong, protection after the full three-dose series. However, booster doses may be recommended based on your travel frequency, personal risk factors, or healthcare guidance.
- Do I need both Hepatitis A and B vaccines for travel?
It depends on your destination and the risk of exposure. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) advises both vaccines for travellers visiting areas where sanitation is poor or hepatitis infections are common. In such cases, our pharmacists may recommend the combined Hepatitis A and B vaccine, which offers proven dual protection in one schedule.
- What happens if I miss a hepatitis vaccine dose before travel?
You don’t need to restart your series. Simply continue from where you left off. Our pharmacists can review your vaccination record and adjust your schedule to ensure you’re fully protected before your next trip.
- Can I get other travel vaccines at the same time as the hepatitis jab?
Yes. Most travel vaccines, including typhoid and tetanus boosters, can be given alongside your hepatitis vaccine safely. This approach helps you complete all essential travel vaccinations in one appointment at our clinic.