Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease spread through contaminated food and water. While symptoms of hepatitis A can develop slowly, they can be severe and could disrupt your travel plans. You may need to take time off work or school to recover from hep A.
To find out whether you should get vaccinated against hepatitis A ahead of your vacation or business trip, make an appointment with Global Travel Clinics.
Why get vaccinated against hepatitis A?
The best way to protect yourself from the virus that causes hepatitis A is by getting your travel vaccines before your trip. Here’s what you need to know:
Timing: Ideally, schedule your vaccination appointment six to eight weeks before your departure to allow for multiple doses.
Eligibility: Travelers older than six months visiting regions with intermediate or high risk of hepatitis A transmission should consider vaccination.
Booster: For frequent travelers, a booster dose six months after the initial series provides 25 years of protection.
Cost-effective: While vaccine prices can fluctuate, vaccination is a cost-effective way to safeguard your health.
Last-minute travel: Even if you’re traveling sooner than six weeks, consult with a healthcare provider to discuss your options. The hepatitis A vaccine is usually given in two spaced doses – but we can still help you to boost your body’s natural protection against the virus with an accelerated vaccine schedule. We can also give advice on safety around food and water, which will help you to minimize exposure to the hepatitis A virus.
To learn more about hepatitis A, read the CDC information.
Hepatitis A and luxury travel
It is still possible to get exposed to the virus that causes hepatitis A when staying in high-end accommodation. Not only that, but there are some food and water-borne diseases that are not vaccine preventable. So no matter how fancy your accommodation, be mindful of food and water safety.
Beyond vaccination: safe travel practices
While vaccination is crucial, it’s not the sole safeguard for travelers. Follow these additional tips to minimize your risk:
Food safety: Look for hot, freshly cooked food from eateries that look clean. Don’t allow people who are unwell to cook for you. Avoid eating raw or undercooked foods, especially seafood and meat. Unpasteurized dairy is a risk for travelers and you may wish to avoid it. Learn more from our travel health article about food safety.
Water Safety: Stick to treated water, or water from factory-sealed bottles. Ice can be a problem for travelers: freezing doesn’t kill disease-causing microorganisms. So unless you know the ice was made with boiled water, avoid it. Learn more about safe drinking water from our travel health article about water safety.
Handwashing: You can protect yourself by being meticulous about hand hygiene while traveling. Carry a hand sanitizer for those times when you can’t wash your hands with soap and water.
Combined protection
Some travelers may benefit from the Twinrix vaccine, which protects against both hepatitis A and B. Ask at your travel health appointment if you think you need to get vaccinated against hepatitis B.
Consult a travel health specialist
For personalized advice and the latest recommendations, consult a travel health clinic. Global Travel Clinics can assess your specific itinerary, provide tailored advice, and administer necessary vaccinations.
By taking these preventive measures against hepatitis A and other food- and water-borne diseases, you can enjoy your travels with peace of mind.
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