Hepatitis A vaccination
The most common vaccine-preventable disease in Australian travellers
What it is, and why it matters
Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver, spread through contaminated food and water (faecal-oral route). Most adult cases produce 2–8 weeks of fatigue, nausea, abdominal discomfort and jaundice, but a small percentage progress to acute liver failure requiring transplantation. Children often have asymptomatic infection but spread the virus to adults around them.
Hepatitis A is rare in Australia outside of imported cases and ATSI communities in some regions, but is common across South-East Asia, the subcontinent, Africa, Central and South America. It is the most common vaccine-preventable disease acquired by Australian travellers.
How hepatitis a vaccination works
The hepatitis A vaccine used in Australia is an inactivated (killed-virus) vaccine. A combined hepatitis A + B vaccine is also available — useful for those needing both, often for travel or occupational reasons.
A single dose provides good short-term protection within 2–4 weeks, suitable for last-minute travel; two doses 6–12 months apart provide essentially lifelong protection.
TGA advertising compliance. Vaccines are described by disease or category in line with the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code. Specific brands are confirmed with you at the consultation.
Funding and eligibility for hepatitis a vaccination
Anchored to the National Immunisation Program schedule and ATAGI advice. Your immuniser confirms your eligibility at the pre-vaccination consultation.
Travellers to endemic countries
Recommended for almost all travellers to Asia (excluding Japan), Africa, Central/South America and the Middle East.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in some states (NT, QLD, WA, SA)
Free under the NIP at 18 months in jurisdictions where ATSI hep A is endemic.
Certain occupational groups
Recommended for early childhood educators, plumbers/sewerage workers, men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs and others — funding varies by employer and state.
Combined hep A + B vaccination
Available privately as a combined vaccine — convenient if you need both.
Doses and timing
Schedules below reflect typical recommendations. Your immuniser will confirm exactly what applies to you, including any catch-up doses and co-administration with other vaccines.
- Single dose at least 2 weeks before travel for short-term protection.
- Second dose 6–12 months later for long-term/lifelong protection.
- Combined hep A + B vaccine: 3 doses at 0, 1 and 6 months.
What to expect
- Sore arm at the injection site.
- Mild headache or tiredness.
- Severe reactions are rare.
Precautions
- A prior severe allergic reaction to a hepatitis A vaccine is a contraindication.
- Pregnancy: not contraindicated but generally given only when travel cannot be deferred.
How well the vaccine works
Around 95% of recipients are protected within 2–4 weeks of a single dose, rising to over 99% after the second dose. Protection is essentially lifelong after a complete schedule.
FAQs about hepatitis a vaccination
I'm travelling to Bali in two weeks — am I too late?
No. A single dose given at least 2 weeks before travel gives meaningful protection. Get the second dose 6–12 months later for lifelong cover. We can give it the same day as a travel consult — walk in.
Can I get hepatitis A and B together in one shot?
Yes. A combined hepatitis A + B vaccine is available. The schedule is 3 doses at 0, 1 and 6 months. Worth it if you need both anyway — saves you injections.
I had hepatitis A as a child — do I need vaccinating?
No. Past infection gives lifelong immunity. If you're unsure, a blood test for hep A IgG can confirm immunity — but vaccinating is safe even if you're already immune.
Deeper reading on hepatitis a
Book your hepatitis a vaccination
Walk in seven days a week, or book a guaranteed time online via Priceline.
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