Why You Need the Hepatitis A Vaccine Before Travelling Abroad

Why the Hepatitis A Vaccine Matters When Travelling Abroad

Travelling abroad is exciting, but it also comes with health risks that many people don’t immediately think about. Hepatitis A is one of the most common vaccine‑preventable infections for travellers, and protecting yourself before you go is simple, effective, and essential. Here’s why the Hep‑A vaccine should be on your travel checklist—and how Manor Chemist can help you prepare safely.

Who Should Have the Hepatitis A Vaccine?

Anyone travelling to regions where Hep‑A is more common should strongly consider vaccination. This includes holidaymakers, backpackers, business travellers, those visiting friends and family abroad, and people working in areas with limited sanitation. Even if you’re staying in good accommodation, exposure can happen through food, water, or everyday contact.

Why Vaccination Is Important

Hepatitis A can cause a serious illness that disrupts your trip and your life back home. Vaccination is the most reliable way to protect yourself. A single dose provides strong protection, and a booster can offer long‑term immunity lasting many years. For travellers, this means peace of mind and a safer journey.

Countries With Higher Hep‑A Risk

Hepatitis A is more common in parts of:

• Africa
• Asia
• Central and South America
• The Middle East

These regions have higher rates of infection due to variations in sanitation, water quality, and food hygiene. Even careful travellers can be exposed, which is why vaccination is recommended before visiting these destinations.

How Hepatitis A Is Transmitted

Hep‑A spreads through the faecal‑oral route, meaning it’s usually caught by consuming contaminated food or water. It can also spread through close personal contact with someone who is infected. This makes it easy to catch in environments where hygiene standards differ from those at home.

Symptoms of Hepatitis A

Symptoms can appear weeks after exposure and may include:

• Fatigue
• Fever
• Nausea or vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• Loss of appetite

While many people recover fully, the illness can be severe and last for months—something no traveller wants to experience.

How Vaccination Protects You

The Hep‑A vaccine stimulates your immune system to build protection against the virus. Once vaccinated, your body is prepared to fight off infection if exposed. This makes it one of the most effective ways to stay healthy while travelling.

How Manor Chemist Supports Your Travel Health

At Manor Chemist, we offer a full travel clinic designed to make your pre‑travel health preparation simple and stress‑free. With over 10 years of travel clinic experience, our trained team provides:

• Expert, personalised advice
• Hepatitis A vaccination
• Guidance on other recommended travel vaccines
• Support tailored to your destination and itinerary

Whether you’re planning a family holiday or a long‑term adventure, we help ensure you’re protected before you go.