Hepatitis A Vaccination In Lewisham

Who Can't Have The Hepatitis A Vaccine

Those who have had a confirmed anaphylactic reaction to a previous dose of a hepatitis A containing vaccine or any components of the vaccine

What is hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is an inflammation of the liver caused by:

• Drinking water or eating food contaminated by the faeces of an infected person.
• Sexual contact with an infected person.

What are the symptoms of Hepatitis A?

The incubation period is 14-28 days and common symptoms include:

• Fever, malaise, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, nausea, abdominal discomfort.

The symptoms are less prevalent in children.

There are no specific treatments for Hepatitis A and recovery can range from weeks to months.

In extreme cases of acute liver failure, hospitalisation is required.

Where can I get hepatitis A?

Although not limited geographically, common areas include:

• South America
• Africa
• Most countries in Asia

The risk increases with:

• Poor sanitisation
• Contaminated water
• Living with a contaminated person
• Sexual contact with a contaminated person
• Using recreational drugs with contaminated persons