Hepatitis A
A contagious liver infection spread through contaminated food and water. Most travellers to regions with less reliable sanitation should get this vaccine.
What it is
Hepatitis A is a contagious liver infection caused by a virus. Most people recover fully, but it can knock you out for weeks.
How it spreads
You catch it by eating food or drinking water contaminated with tiny amounts of stool from an infected person. Shellfish, salads, ice cubes, and street food are common culprits.
Dosing & timing
- Primary series
- Two shots in your arm. The second dose comes 6 to 12 months after the first.
- Boosters
- No boosters needed once you complete the series.
- Before you travel
- Most people develop protection about a month after the first dose. If you are leaving in less than 2 weeks, your doctor may add an immune globulin shot for extra cover.
Who should consider it
CDC recommends the vaccine for anyone travelling to a country where hepatitis A is common, regardless of trip length or purpose. If you are over 40, immunocompromised, or have liver disease, get protected as soon as travel is on the table.
Countries where CDC recommends this
Click any country for its full vaccine list.
Recommended for most travellers
Recommended for some travellers
Side effects and safety
Common (most resolve in a day or two)
- Soreness or redness where the shot was given
- Mild headache
- Feeling tired for a day or two
Serious but rare
- Severe allergic reaction (very rare)
Who should not get it
Skip it if you have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose or any vaccine ingredient. Babies under 6 months are not eligible.
Common questions
How long does the hepatitis A vaccine protect me?
Once you complete both doses, protection is long-lasting and no booster is needed.
I leave next week — is it too late to get vaccinated?
No. One dose still gives strong protection for the trip itself. Your doctor can add an immune globulin shot if you are higher-risk.
Do I still need to be careful with food and water if I'm vaccinated?
Yes. The vaccine does not protect against other food and water bugs like typhoid or traveller's diarrhoea.
Plan ahead: Talk to a travel health doctor 4 to 6 weeks before departure to plan your hepatitis A doses around your trip.
Source: CDC — Hepatitis A.
Disclaimer:This information is for general guidance only, based on CDC Travelers' Health. It does not replace advice from a qualified travel health professional. Consult a doctor 4–6 weeks before your trip.