Hepatitis A Vaccine in Wigan
Planning a trip abroad? Hepatitis A is an infection that affects the liver and can spread through contaminated food and water. Our private vaccination service at Ready Health Clinic in Standish can help you understand whether Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for your destination and circumstances.
22 High Street, Standish, Wigan WN6 0HL | 01257 676001
Book your Hepatitis A vaccine
Choose a vaccination appointment below. Have your destination, departure date and any previous vaccination records to hand. If you are unsure which appointment to pick, call us on 01257 676001.
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What is Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver. It usually spreads when someone swallows the virus, most often through food or water contaminated with an infected person's faeces, or through close personal contact.
The risk varies a great deal between countries and between living conditions. It tends to be higher where access to clean water and sanitation is limited, but outbreaks also happen in countries with good hygiene standards.
Symptoms usually appear two to six weeks after infection and can include:
- tiredness and feeling generally unwell
- nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite
- pain or discomfort in the upper tummy
- dark urine and pale stools
- jaundice, a yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes
Young children often have mild symptoms or none at all, but can still pass the virus on. Illness tends to be more severe in adults, especially older adults and people with existing liver disease. Hepatitis A does not usually cause long-term (chronic) infection, but recovery can take weeks or months.
Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B are different infections
| Hepatitis A | Hepatitis B | |
|---|---|---|
| How it spreads | Contaminated food or water, close contact | Blood and other body fluids |
| Long-term infection | Does not usually become chronic | Can become a long-term infection |
| Vaccine | Hepatitis A vaccine | Hepatitis B vaccine |
A vaccine against one does not protect against the other, unless you have a combined vaccine. Read about combined vaccination.
Who should consider Hepatitis A vaccination?
Hepatitis A vaccination may be recommended for travellers to destinations where the infection is more common, and for some people with occupational, clinical or other risk factors. Whether you need it is decided through an individual risk assessment.
Travellers
People visiting destinations where Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended, particularly for longer stays, backpacking or travel with limited access to safe food and water.
Visiting friends and relatives
People staying with family or friends overseas may eat and live more like local residents, which can change the risk depending on the destination.
Other risk groups
Some people are advised to have the vaccine because of their health, work or other circumstances, for example people with chronic liver disease or some laboratory and sewage workers.
A clinician will consider your destination, itinerary, accommodation, length of trip, previous vaccinations and health before advising. Not every traveller needs this vaccine, and advice can differ between destinations in the same region.
Hepatitis A vaccination for travel
If you are travelling abroad, try to arrange travel health advice several weeks before you leave. This gives time for protection to develop and for any other vaccines or advice you may need.
At your appointment, the clinician will look at:
- your destination and itinerary
- your departure date and length of stay
- where you will stay and what you plan to do
- any previous Hepatitis A vaccination
- your age and medical history
- other vaccines or precautions that may suit your trip
Leaving soon? It is still worth getting advice rather than assuming it is too late. A first dose can give useful protection, but how quickly and how well it works depends on your circumstances.
Planning a whole trip?
If you are visiting more than one country or need several vaccines, a travel consultation lets a clinician review your full itinerary.
Book a travel consultationSee all travel vaccinations at our Wigan clinicHow many doses of Hepatitis A vaccine do I need?
A course of single Hepatitis A vaccine usually involves two doses: a first dose to give initial protection, and a second dose some months later for longer-lasting protection.
First dose
Given after your assessment, ideally at least two weeks before you travel.
Protection develops
Usually within about two weeks, and lasts for a limited period after one dose.
Second dose
Commonly 6 to 12 months later. The interval depends on the vaccine product used.
Long-term protection
A completed course is expected to protect most people for many years.
If your second dose is overdue
A delayed second dose does not usually mean starting again. UK guidance allows the course to be completed even if the second dose is given later than planned. The clinician will check which vaccine you had and advise you.
Bring your records
If you have had Hepatitis A vaccines before, please bring your vaccination record or the details if you have them. This helps us avoid unnecessary doses.
Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B combined vaccination
Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B are caused by different viruses, so they need different protection. A combined vaccine protects against both and may suit people who need both vaccines.
Single Hepatitis A vaccine
Protects against Hepatitis A only. Usually two doses, with the second given months after the first.
Single Hepatitis B vaccine
Protects against Hepatitis B only. Usually given as a course of several doses. Hepatitis B vaccine
Combined Hepatitis A and B vaccine
Protects against both. It follows its own schedule, usually three doses, and an accelerated course may be possible for some travellers.
The combined vaccine is not a straight swap for the single Hepatitis A vaccine. Dose schedules and how quickly protection builds differ, so if you are travelling soon the single vaccine may be more suitable. Your clinician will advise. Hepatitis A protection can also be combined with typhoid vaccination for some travellers; see our typhoid vaccine page.
What happens at your appointment?
Book online
Choose a vaccination appointment at our Standish clinic.
Share your travel plans
Tell us your destination, departure date and any previous vaccinations.
Health check
We discuss your medical history, allergies and anything that may affect vaccination.
Clinical assessment
The clinician confirms whether you need the vaccine and which product and schedule suit you.
Vaccination
If appropriate and in stock, you have the injection in your upper arm.
Aftercare and records
You get advice on aftercare, when any further dose is due and a record of your vaccination.
Hepatitis A vaccine side effects and safety
Most people have no problems or only mild, short-lived effects after the Hepatitis A vaccine. As with any medicine, side effects are possible.
Common effects can include:
- pain, redness or swelling where the injection was given
- headache
- tiredness
- a mild fever or feeling generally unwell
These usually settle within a day or two. Serious allergic reactions are rare. If you develop swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing or feel faint after a vaccine, get urgent medical help by calling 999.
Please tell the clinician if you have had a severe reaction to a vaccine or any of its ingredients, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have a medical condition or take medicines that affect your immune system.
Food and water care still matters
Vaccination lowers your risk, but it does not replace good hygiene while you travel. Wash your hands with soap before eating, take care with drinking water, ice and uncooked foods, and follow local advice.
If you think you may have been exposed to Hepatitis A, contact the clinic or your GP promptly. Exposure needs its own assessment and is not covered by routine travel vaccination advice.
How much does the Hepatitis A vaccine cost?
Hepatitis A vaccine
Single dose, given at Ready Health Clinic, Standish, after a clinical assessment.
Second dose, combined Hepatitis A and B vaccine, other travel vaccines
The clinic team will confirm the current price and what it includes before you are vaccinated.
Why choose Ready Health Clinic?
In the centre of Standish
Our clinic is at 22 High Street, Standish, a short trip from Wigan, Chorley and surrounding areas.
Private appointments
Book a vaccination appointment that fits around your plans.
Advice for your trip
A clinician assesses your travel plans and medical history before any vaccine is given.
A full travel clinic
We offer a wider range of travel vaccinations and travel consultations in one place.
Easy to reach us
Book online or call the clinic team on 01257 676001.
Hepatitis A vaccine: frequently asked questions
What is the Hepatitis A vaccine?
The Hepatitis A vaccine is an inactivated vaccine given by injection that helps your body build protection against the Hepatitis A virus, which infects the liver. It cannot give you Hepatitis A. At Ready Health in Standish, Wigan, it is given after a short clinical assessment.
Who should have a Hepatitis A vaccine before travelling?
It depends on your destination and circumstances. Vaccination is often recommended for travellers to countries where Hepatitis A is more common, particularly for longer stays, visiting friends and relatives, backpacking or where food and water hygiene may be poor. A clinician will check current destination guidance and your history before recommending it.
How many doses of Hepatitis A vaccine do I need?
A course of single Hepatitis A vaccine is usually two doses: a first dose, then a second dose some months later to give longer-lasting protection. The usual interval depends on the vaccine product, often 6 to 12 months. Your clinician will confirm the right schedule for you.
How long does Hepatitis A vaccine protection last?
After one dose, protection usually develops within about two weeks and lasts for a limited period. A completed two-dose course is expected to give long-lasting protection. Current UK guidance takes this to be around 25 years for most people, although individual responses vary, particularly in people with a weakened immune system.
When should I have my Hepatitis A vaccine before travelling?
Ideally at least two weeks before you travel, so protection has time to develop. It is best to seek travel health advice several weeks before departure, as you may need other vaccines or advice for your trip too.
Can I have the Hepatitis A vaccine shortly before departure?
Yes, it is still usually worth seeking advice even if you travel soon. The vaccine can often be given close to departure and may still offer useful protection, although it may not be fully effective straight away. A clinician will advise based on your dates and destination.
What happens if I miss my second Hepatitis A vaccine?
You usually do not need to start the course again. UK guidance says the second dose can be given later than planned and the course still completed. Bring any vaccination records you have, and the clinician will check which vaccine you had and advise on the next step.
What are the common side effects of Hepatitis A vaccination?
The most common effects are soreness, redness or swelling where the injection was given, headache, tiredness and feeling generally unwell or slightly feverish. These usually settle within a day or two. Serious allergic reactions are rare and need urgent medical attention.
Can I have Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B vaccines together?
Yes. They can be given as separate vaccines at the same appointment, or as a combined Hepatitis A and B vaccine for people who need protection against both. The combined vaccine follows a different schedule, so your clinician will advise which option suits your travel dates and needs.
How much does the Hepatitis A vaccine cost at Ready Health Clinic?
A single dose of Hepatitis A vaccine at Ready Health Clinic in Standish is £55. If you need a second dose, a combined Hepatitis A and B vaccine or other travel vaccines, the clinic team will confirm the current price before your vaccination.
Can children receive Hepatitis A vaccination?
Yes. In the UK, children from 1 year of age can usually have a Hepatitis A vaccine made for their age group, after an assessment. Please call the clinic on 01257 676001 before booking for a child so we can check a suitable vaccine is available.
How do I book a Hepatitis A vaccine in Wigan?
You can book online using the booking panel on this page, which shows available vaccination appointments at Ready Health Clinic, 22 High Street, Standish, Wigan WN6 0HL. You can also call 01257 676001 if you need help choosing an appointment.
Sources and further information
This page is based on current UK guidance. For more information, see the UKHSA Green Book, chapter 17: Hepatitis A, TravelHealthPro for country-specific advice, NHS: Hepatitis A and the Electronic Medicines Compendium for vaccine product information.
Protect your health before you travel
Planning an overseas trip? Book an appointment at Ready Health Clinic in Standish, Wigan, to discuss whether Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for your destination and circumstances.
Book your Hepatitis A vaccine