Hepatitis A - prevention in travellers.

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis A is the second most common vaccine preventable infection in travellers. Highly effective vaccines exist for its prevention for travellers from 12 months of age, including last minute travellers and those in special risk groups.

OBJECTIVE

Information about hepatitis A infection, its epidemiology and existing vaccine options is presented for use in travel related consultations in general practice.

DISCUSSION: Most travellers at risk of hepatitis A should be vaccinated, as the vaccine is a safe and effective means of prevention. Combination vaccines - hepatitis A/hepatitis B and hepatitis A/typhoid - aim to facilitate the vaccination process for travellers, who are often also at risk of exposure to hepatitis B and typhoid fever.