Hepatitis A Vaccination Service

About hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. The disease is generally mild, but the severity tends to increase with age. The asymptomatic illness is common in children. Jaundice may occur in 70–80% of those infected as adults. 

Symptoms are often mild or absent in young children, but the disease becomes more severe with age. Recovery can vary from weeks to months. Following hepatitis A illness, immunity is lifelong. 

How can you get hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is caused by a virus that spreads in poo, and some travellers are at increased risk of acquiring hepatitis A. You can get hepatitis A from:

• drinking unclean water

• eating food that's been washed or grown in unclean water

• eating food that's been handled by an infected person

• close physical contact with an infected person, including having sex and sharing needles to take drugs

• staying with or visiting the local population

• travelling to areas where sanitation and food hygiene are likely to be poor

• being exposed to the virus through work

• going to areas of hepatitis A outbreaks who have limited access to safe water and medical care