Hepatitis A Vaccine
What is Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A (HA) is a vaccine-preventable liver infection caused by the Hepatitis A virus (HAV).
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Adults and older children often experience fatigue, nausea, fever, abdominal pain, dark urine, and jaundice.
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Young children may have mild or no symptoms.
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Recovery can take weeks to months, with about 1 in 4 adults needing hospitalization.
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Severe complications are rare but more likely in older adults or those with liver disease.
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Hepatitis A is a major concern for travellers and high-risk populations.
What Are the Symptoms of Hepatitis A?
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Incubation period: 28 days on average (range 15–50 days)
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Illness can range from mild (1–2 weeks) to severely disabling (several months)
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Adults and older children: fever, malaise, anorexia, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dark urine, jaundice
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Children under 6: ~70% infections are asymptomatic; jaundice uncommon
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About 10–15% may have prolonged symptoms lasting 6–9 months
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Chronic infection does not occur
How Does Hepatitis A Spread?
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Fecal-oral transmission: contaminated food, water, or direct contact
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Rare transmission: infected blood or blood products
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Virus can survive weeks in the environment; freezing does not destroy it
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Common-source outbreaks from frozen berries, seafood, or fresh produce
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High-risk behaviors: injection/non-injection drug use, MSM, homelessness
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Children and infants can shed virus up to 6 months
Who is at Risk?
You are at higher risk if you:
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Travel to HA-endemic countries
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Live in communities with outbreaks
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Have close contact with infected individuals
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Use injection/non-injection drugs
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Are MSM
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Work with HAV or non-human primates
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Receive repeated plasma-derived clotting factors
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Have liver disease, weakened immune system, or are over age 60
Where is Hepatitis A Common?
Endemic Regions
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High endemicity: Africa and Asia (most adults infected in childhood, epidemics uncommon)
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Intermediate endemicity: Parts of Asia, Central/South America, Eastern Europe (more adults susceptible → outbreaks more likely)
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Low endemicity: Western Europe, United States (occurs mainly in high-risk groups or community outbreaks)
Travellers at Greatest Risk
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Travellers not vaccinated
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Travellers to areas with poor sanitation or limited clean water
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Those eating or drinking in rural/backcountry areas
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Hepatitis A is one of the most common vaccine-preventable infections acquired during travel, even in developed countries.
Prevention and Hep A Vaccine Information
Vaccine Schedule and Effectiveness
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2 doses, at least 6 months apart
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Combination vaccines: Twinrix (HAV & HB) for travellers at risk for both
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Pre-exposure: 95–100% effective
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Post-exposure (within 1 week): ~80% effective
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Pricing and options: Whole Health Travel Clinic Pricing
FAQs
Can adults get the Hep A vaccine?
Yes — adults of all ages can be vaccinated, especially if travelling or at risk.
Is the vaccine safe?
Yes — side effects are generally mild, including soreness or redness at the injection site.
Can I get the vaccine at a pharmacy in Edmonton?
Yes — Whole Health Pharmacy Travel Clinic offers HAV vaccination.
Is it free?
Some high-risk groups may receive it for free; travellers usually pay out-of-pocket.
How long does immunity last?
Two doses provide long-lasting protection, often for decades.
Why Choose Whole Health Travel Clinic?
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One-stop travel health service — assessment, prescriptions, and vaccines in a single visit
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Yellow Fever designated vaccination centre — official PHAC certificate issued on site
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No consultation fee, no injection fee, no certificate fee
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Personalized travel health plan tailored to your destination
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Fast, convenient appointments, Edmonton-based