A vaccination is an injection that stimulates your body to produce antibodies, protecting you from hepatitis A. A course of two or three vaccinations is needed for total protection, given over six or twelve months. Hepatitis A vaccine is available from your doctor. It is safe and effective. After the injection the area may be sore, with some redness and swelling. Notify your doctor if you have any serious reactions to the vaccine.
Vaccination is recommended for people at high risk of coming into contact with the virus.
Homosexual and bisexual men Men who have sex with other men are at risk of hepatitis A. Condoms do not protect against this risk, and these people should be vaccinated if they are not already immune. In addition the following people should be vaccinated. Individuals with chronic liver disease and those who have had a liver transplant Injecting drug users People who regularly receive blood products Food handlers . Your public hospital should be able to give you the phone numbers of your nearest family planning or sexual health clinic. The contents of this website are supplied for information only and should not be relied upon as medical advice.