Hepatitis A Vaccine in Cork

Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for travellers visiting regions where the infection is common, including parts of Africa, Asia, and Central and South America. The virus is spread through contaminated food and water, and infection can occur even on short trips. At Salutem Clinic in Ovens we provide a travel health assessment and safe, effective hepatitis A vaccination tailored to your destination and individual risk.

What is hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver spread through contaminated food and water, or through close contact with an infected person. It is common in parts of Africa, Asia, Central and South America and Eastern Europe. Many infections are mild, but adults can experience prolonged illness and significant disruption to travel and work.

Why is vaccination important for travellers?

Travellers are at risk even on short trips, particularly when:

• Eating food from street vendors
• Drinking untreated water or ice
• Staying with local families or in rural areas

Vaccination is recommended regardless of the standard of accommodation, as exposure can occur unexpectedly.

How effective is the vaccine?

The hepatitis A vaccine is highly effective.

• A single dose gives good protection within around 2 weeks
• A second dose gives long-term protection, usually 20–25 years or longer

Vaccination schedule

Who can have the vaccine?

• Suitable from 1 year of age
• Safe for children, adults and older travellers
• No upper age limit

Side effects

Side effects are usually mild and short-lived, and may include:

• Soreness or redness at the injection site
• Mild headache or tiredness

Serious side effects are very rare.

Food and water precautions still matter

Vaccination does not replace good hygiene. Even when vaccinated, continue to:

• Drink bottled or treated water
• Avoid ice unless it is made from safe water
• Eat freshly cooked food served hot
• Avoid unpeeled fruit and raw foods

Key points

• Hepatitis A is a common travel-related infection
• Vaccination is safe, effective and recommended for many destinations
• One dose protects you for travel; a booster gives long-term protection
• Good food and water hygiene remains essential

Further reading (TravelHealthPro)

TravelHealthPro is the UK’s official travel health website, run by the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) for the UK Health Security Agency. It is the source we use for vaccine and malaria recommendations.

• Hepatitis A factsheet
• Hepatitis A — disease information and vaccine recommendations
• Country information — vaccine and malaria recommendations for every destination
• All TravelHealthPro factsheets

See also: Travel Clinic · Vaccinations · Fees