The combined Hepatitis A and B vaccine is a single vaccine that provides protection against both Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B. The combined vaccine is generally recommended for people who are at increased risk of contracting both Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B, such as travelers to certain countries, people with certain risk factors (such as those who have chronic liver disease or are HIV-positive), and people who have certain jobs (such as healthcare workers).
Hepatitis A and B are viral infections that both affect the liver.
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious infection caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). It is primarily spread through fecal-oral transmission, which means that the virus enters the body when someone ingests food or water that has been contaminated with the feces of an infected person. Most people recover fully from hepatitis A without any lasting liver damage, but in rare cases, it can lead to liver failure and death.
Hepatitis B is a serious and potentially life-threatening infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). It is primarily spread through contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person. This can occur through activities such as sharing needles or other injection equipment or having unprotected sex. The symptoms of hepatitis B are similar to those of hepatitis A, but the risk of chronic infection and liver damage is much higher with hepatitis B. Chronic hepatitis B can lead to serious complications such as cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Both Hepatitis A and B can be prevented through vaccination.
No need to book to see your GP. Our qualified travel health specialists can advise and prescribe Hepatitis A and B (combined) vaccinations providing a fast and convenient service in the Bristol, Cheltenham & Gloucester areas.
| Vaccination | Price per dose | Price per course (3 or 4 doses) |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A and B | £90 | £270 / £360 |
Prevention
Hepatitis A and B can be prevented through vaccination.
In addition to vaccination, other ways to prevent hepatitis A and B includes:
Countries at risk
Hepatitis A and B are found worldwide, but the risk of infection varies depending on the country and region.
Hepatitis A is more common in developing countries where there is poor sanitation and limited access to clean water. Countries with high rates of hepatitis A include many in Africa and Asia, as well as parts of Central and South America. In these areas, the virus is primarily spread through faecal-oral transmission, which means that the virus enters the body when someone ingests food or water that has been contaminated with the faeces of an infected person.
Hepatitis B is more common in countries where the virus is more prevalent in the general population. Countries with high rates of hepatitis B include many in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific Islands, as well as some countries in the Mediterranean and the Middle East. In these areas, the virus is primarily spread through contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person.
However, it's worth noting that even in developed countries, the risk of infection may be higher for certain groups of people, such as people who travel frequently to high-risk areas, people who have certain risk factors (such as those who have chronic liver disease or are HIV-positive), and people who have certain jobs (such as healthcare workers).
Sign and Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of Hepatitis A and B are similar, but the course of the disease and the potential complications are different.
Hepatitis A symptoms may include:
Hepatitis B symptoms may include:
It's worth noting that some people with hepatitis A and B may have no symptoms at all, or their symptoms may be mild. However, even if they don't have any symptoms, they can still spread the virus to others.
Chronic hepatitis B can lead to serious complications such as cirrhosis and liver cancer, those with chronic hepatitis B may not have any symptoms until the disease has progressed to a serious stage.
If you have symptoms of hepatitis A or B, or if you have been exposed to someone who has the virus, it is important to see a doctor right away to get tested and, if necessary, receive appropriate treatment.