From 12 months. For travel to countries with poor sanitation and for people at higher risk. Free from your GP for travel. Not live, so can be given in pregnancy.
Last reviewed 12 September 2026UK Green Book ch. 17Non-live vaccine
Who can have it
Eligibility by age, on the NHS and privately
Hepatitis A is a liver infection caught from contaminated food and water. It is one of the most common vaccine-preventable travel infections. One dose protects for about a year and a second dose 6 to 12 months later gives protection for 25 years or more.
Check what applies to you
Pick your age range and gender to see only the criteria for your group. Nothing you select is saved or sent anywhere.
Age
Privately (pharmacy or clinic)
On the NHS
Under 2 years
PrivatelyRestrictions apply
From 12 months (paediatric dose); not licensed under 1 year
On the NHSFree for some
Free from your GP practice for travel from 12 months, after a risk assessment.
2 to 17 years
Privately✓Available
Paediatric dose up to 15; adult dose from 16
On the NHSFree for some
Free from your GP practice for travel, after a risk assessment.
18 to 49 years
Privately✓Available
Two doses, 6 to 12 months apart
On the NHSFree for some
Free from your GP for travel after a risk assessment, and free for people with chronic liver disease, haemophilia, men who have sex with men, and people who inject drugs.
50 to 64 years
Privately✓Available
Two doses, 6 to 12 months apart
On the NHSFree for some
As above.
65 and over
Privately✓Available
Two doses, 6 to 12 months apart
On the NHSFree for some
As above.
Recommended for
Travellers to Africa, Asia, Central and South America, the Middle East and Eastern Europe
People with chronic liver disease or haemophilia
Men who have sex with men, and people who inject drugs
Some occupational groups, such as sewage workers and laboratory staff
Who should not have it
A previous serious allergic reaction to a hepatitis A vaccine or one of its ingredients
If you have a fever, the vaccine is usually postponed
Always tell the clinician about allergies, medicines, health conditions and recent vaccines. They will confirm the vaccine is right for you before giving it.
About the vaccine
What it protects against, how long it lasts and side effects
🛡️
Protects against
Viral liver infection spread through contaminated food and water, or close contact with an infected person.
📅
When to have it
At least 2 weeks before travel
⏳
How long it lasts
Lifelong after 2-dose course (booster at 6–12 months)
💉
Doses
2 doses | 6 months apart
🩹
Side effects
Sore arm, tiredness, mild headache, or loss of appetite. Typically resolve within 48 hours.
💡
Good to know
A single dose provides protection for up to 1 year before the booster is due.
Common questions
Hepatitis A vaccine: your questions answered
How long does the hepatitis A vaccine last?
A single dose protects for at least a year. A second dose 6 to 12 months later extends protection to 25 years or more, and for most people that is lifelong.
Is the hepatitis A vaccine free on the NHS?
Yes. Hepatitis A is one of the four travel vaccines available free at GP surgeries (with typhoid, cholera and the polio booster) after a travel risk assessment. Appointments can be hard to get before a trip, so private clinics and pharmacies offer it without a wait.
Can I have hepatitis A and typhoid together?
Yes. A combined hepatitis A and typhoid vaccine is available as a single injection, which is convenient for travellers who need both.
How soon before travel should I have it?
Ideally two weeks before, but it is still worth having up to the day of departure because the vaccine works quickly and the infection has a long incubation period.
Ready to book?
Compare Hepatitis A prices near you
GPhC-registered pharmacies and travel clinics. The clinician confirms suitability at your appointment.
General information only. This page sets out the published UK eligibility criteria so you can see which apply to you. It is not medical advice and VaxiGo does not assess your suitability for any vaccine. The clinician at your appointment makes that decision with you.