What are the recommended vaccination guidelines for Hepatitis A in adults and children in the UK?

Vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended for anyone aged 1 year and over travelling to areas where hepatitis A vaccination is advised, particularly for prolonged periods or where sanitation and food hygiene are poor ¹.

The primary vaccination schedule for monovalent hepatitis A vaccines is a single dose, ideally given at least 2 weeks before travel, but it can be administered up to the day of departure, providing protection for 1 year ¹,³.

For long-term protection, a booster dose is recommended 6-12 months after the initial dose if the person remains at ongoing risk ¹,³.

Several licensed vaccines are available, including Avaxim, Havrix, Vaqta, and Epaxal, with specific schedules depending on age: for example, children from 1 year to 15 years typically receive 2 doses 6 months apart, providing protection for 30 years after the second dose ²,³.

Vaccination is not recommended for children under 1 year of age, as the risk of disease in this age group is low and vaccines are not licensed for use in infants ¹,³.

In cases of rapid protection needs, such as post-exposure or during outbreaks, a single dose of monovalent vaccine is preferred ¹.