avi medical
    Prevention & Vaccinations

    Hepatitis A Vaccination

    Hepatitis A is transmitted via contaminated food and water. The vaccination is highly recommended for travel to many countries and provides decades of protection.

    • Travel vaccination
    • STIKO-recommended

    Who should be vaccinated against Hepatitis A?

    Hepatitis A is transmitted via contaminated food and water and primarily affects the liver. The disease is generally not life-threatening but can be very prolonged. The vaccination is highly recommended for travel to many countries (Mediterranean region, tropics, subtropics) and provides reliable protection for decades after two doses. We advise you on travel medicine and ensure your protection is in place in time.

    WHO IT'S FOR

    Who Needs This Vaccination?

    If you are planning a trip to southern or eastern European countries or to Africa, Asia, or South or Central America, you should be vaccinated. The risk of infection in these countries is 1 in 500 per month of stay — regardless of travel style.

    VACCINATION SCHEDULE

    How the Vaccination Works

    The hepatitis A vaccine is an inactivated vaccine and is often administered in combination with hepatitis B or typhoid. Primary immunisation is achieved with two doses given at least 6 months apart. Protection lasts for at least 10 years, and presumably for over 25 years. In general, the vaccine is very well tolerated. However, in 10% of those vaccinated, brief general malaise such as headache or fatigue may occur.

    What Should I Do Next?

    To find out which vaccinations are advisable for your planned trip, simply book an appointment for travel medicine advice at one of our avi practices and discuss this with our medical team. The team will advise you on everything you need to be aware of so that you can travel safely and with peace of mind on your next trip.

    VACCINATION PROCESS

    How it works at avi

    We provide comprehensive information about the vaccination and are available for all your questions.

    1. 1

      Information Consultation

      We inform you about the vaccination, possible side effects, and answer all your questions.

    2. 2

      History & Vaccination Advice

      We review your vaccination status, pre-existing conditions, and allergies to ensure safe administration.

    3. 3

      Vaccination

      The vaccination is administered with minimal pain into the upper arm muscle.

    4. 4

      Observation Period

      You stay in the practice briefly for safety so we can react immediately to rare immediate reactions.

    PREPARATION & AFTERCARE

    Preparation & Aftercare

    Before the appointment

    • Bring your vaccination record

      So we can verify your vaccination status and document the new vaccination.

    • Clarify acute illnesses

      We postpone vaccination in case of fever or acute infections. Please let us know in advance.

    After the appointment

    • Take it easy

      Avoid intense physical exertion and sports for 1-2 days.

    • Normal reactions

      Local redness, swelling, or mild fever are normal and usually subside within 1-3 days.

    • Report severe symptoms

      For shortness of breath, circulatory problems, or persistent high fever, contact a doctor immediately.

    Side effects

    Redness, swelling, warmth, or mild pain at the injection site. Usually subside within 1-2 days.

    Fatigue, headache, mild muscle aches, or low-grade fever. Usually mild and short-lived.

    In very rare cases, allergic reactions to vaccine components may occur. This is why post-vaccination observation takes place in our practice.

    Severe immediate reactions are extremely rare. We are prepared in our practice and can react immediately.

    Costs & insurance

    Covered by statutory insurance

    Standard coverage for all statutory health insurance members.

    Private / self-pay

    from €65

    FAQ

    Frequently asked questions: Hepatitis A Vaccination

    Above all, travellers to countries where hepatitis A is more common, for example parts of southern and eastern Europe, Africa, Asia and Central and South America. STIKO also recommends the vaccination for certain pre-existing conditions such as chronic liver disease, for sexual behaviour with an increased risk of infection and for occupational risk, for example in childcare, healthcare or sewage work.

    With the single vaccine you need two doses six to twelve months apart. According to current knowledge, protection then lasts at least 25 years and a booster is usually not needed. If you also need protection against hepatitis B, there is a combination vaccine with three doses.

    Yes. You are usually protected about two weeks after the first dose. Because the disease has a long incubation period, vaccinating shortly before departure still makes sense. You get the second dose for long-term protection after your trip.

    If STIKO recommends the vaccination for you, for example because of a pre-existing condition, statutory health insurance covers the cost; for occupational risk, your employer usually pays. As a travel vaccination, many insurers reimburse it voluntarily, so check beforehand. If you pay yourself, it costs from €65 at avi.