How Long Do Hepatitis A & B Vaccines Last?
Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B are infections that affect the liver. They are caused by different viruses and spread in different ways, but both can lead to serious illness.
Hepatitis A usually spreads through contaminated food or water. Hepatitis B usually spreads through blood and body fluids.
People in South Ealing, Ealing, Acton, Hanwell, Brentford and across West London often seek these vaccines for travel, work or ongoing health reasons.
Vaccination provides strong protection. After a full course, both Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B vaccines can protect for many years, and for many people protection is long term and may last for decades.
South Ealing Pharmacy provides Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and combined vaccines through its travel and vaccination service.
Understanding Hepatitis A and B vaccines
Hepatitis A vaccine at a glance
The Hepatitis A vaccine protects against Hepatitis A virus, which causes short term liver infection. Many people recover, but illness can be severe, especially in adults and people with existing liver disease.
People who may need Hepatitis A vaccination include
- Travellers to countries where Hepatitis A is common
- People with chronic liver disease
- People who receive regular blood products
- People who inject drugs
- People in certain community outbreaks as advised by health authorities.
Hepatitis B vaccine at a glance
The Hepatitis B vaccine protects against Hepatitis B virus, which can cause both short term and long term liver infection. Long term infection increases the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer.
People who may need Hepatitis B vaccination include
- Healthcare workers and laboratory staff
- People who may be exposed to blood or body fluids at work
- People on dialysis or with certain kidney or liver problems
- People who inject drugs or have higher sexual exposure risk
- Babies and close contacts of someone with Hepatitis B
How long does the Hepatitis A vaccine last
After the first dose
The first dose of Hepatitis A vaccine usually starts to protect within about two to four weeks. Protection from a single dose lasts for several months, often around six months.
This first dose is valuable for last minute travellers from Ealing and nearby areas, especially when departure is soon.
A second dose is very important. It strengthens the immune response and gives long lasting protection for future trips.
After the full course
For most adults, the full course for travel is two doses. The second dose is usually given six to twelve months after the first.
Evidence shows that two doses protect for at least twenty five years. Some specialist guidance suggests that immunity may last even longer for many people.
Current guidance suggests that an extra booster after twenty five years may be considered for those who remain at ongoing risk, for example frequent travellers or people with chronic liver disease.
Do I need a Hepatitis A booster
Many healthy people who completed the two dose course do not need regular boosters. Protection is expected to last for many years.
A booster may be considered for
- People with complex medical conditions affecting the immune system
- People who had their course many years ago and still have very high risk
- People with uncertain records who travel often to high risk regions
If you live in South Ealing, Ealing, Acton, Hanwell, Brentford or wider West London, the pharmacy team at South Ealing Pharmacy can review your history and advise whether a booster is sensible.
How long does the Hepatitis B vaccine last
After the primary course
The Hepatitis B vaccine is given as a course of several injections over a few months. Schedules vary slightly for routine, travel and occupational use, but most adults receive at least three doses.
Protective antibodies usually develop after completion of the primary course. In some higher risk groups, a blood test is used to confirm that antibody levels are high enough.
Long term protection
Studies show that Hepatitis B vaccination gives long lasting protection. Even if measured antibody levels fall over time, the immune system keeps a memory response and can react quickly if exposed to the virus.
For healthy adults and children who complete a full course, further routine doses are not usually required.
Do I need a Hepatitis B booster
For most people, no regular Hepatitis B booster is required once the full course is completed.
Certain higher risk groups may need blood tests and possible boosters, including
- Healthcare workers and some laboratory staff
- People on dialysis or with severe kidney disease
- Some people with weakened immune systems
These groups often follow employer, occupational health or specialist clinic advice, which may include antibody testing and occasional booster doses.
Hepatitis A and B combined vaccine
Some people receive a combined Hepatitis A and B vaccine. This is often used for travellers or people who need protection against both viruses.
The schedule still involves several doses over a period of months. In some situations an accelerated schedule is used for last minute travel, with an extra dose later to complete long term protection.
Once the full combined course is completed, the duration of protection is similar to giving separate Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B vaccines.
If you are unsure whether you completed a combined course, South Ealing Pharmacy can review your records and help plan any remaining doses.
Factors that can affect how long protection lasts
Protection from Hepatitis A and B vaccines is very strong for most people, but some factors can influence how long it lasts
- Age at vaccination, especially very young or older adults
- Medical conditions that weaken the immune system
- Medicines such as chemotherapy, high dose steroids or some biological therapies
- Not completing the full recommended course
In these situations, individual assessment is important. The pharmacy team can advise whether further doses or testing are needed.
Do I need a blood test to check my immunity
Hepatitis A
For most healthy travellers, routine blood tests after Hepatitis A vaccination are not needed. Two recorded doses are usually enough evidence of protection.
Testing might be considered for people with certain medical conditions, very complex vaccination histories or when records are missing and risk is high. This is usually arranged through specialist or travel services.
Hepatitis B
For Hepatitis B, blood tests are common in some higher risk groups. These tests measure antibody levels to confirm that the vaccine has produced good protection.
Groups who may need post vaccination blood tests include
- Healthcare workers and some other staff with occupational exposure
- People on dialysis
- Some people with conditions affecting the immune system.
If antibody levels are low, further doses or a repeat course may be recommended under specialist guidance.
Missed doses and restarting your course
People often worry if they miss a dose or leave a long gap. In most cases there is no need to start again. You can usually continue the course, picking up from the last documented dose.
At your appointment, bring any vaccination records you have. This helps the pharmacist plan a safe schedule and avoid unnecessary extra injections.
Safety and side effects of Hepatitis A and B vaccines
Hepatitis A and B vaccines have been used worldwide for many years with a strong safety record.
Common mild effects include
- Sore arm where the injection was given
- Tiredness or mild headache
- Slightly raised temperature
Serious allergic reactions are very rare. If someone develops difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or tongue, or a widespread rash soon after vaccination, they need urgent medical help.
At South Ealing Pharmacy, vaccines are given by trained staff with equipment to manage rare emergencies.
Who should speak to a doctor before vaccination
Some people should seek medical advice before receiving Hepatitis A or B vaccines
- Anyone with a previous severe allergic reaction to these vaccines or their ingredients
- People who are pregnant or breastfeeding, especially if unsure about timing
- People with severe illness or high fever on the day of vaccination
- People with complex liver disease or serious immune system problems
A short discussion can usually confirm whether vaccination can proceed safely or needs to be delayed.
Travel and occupational health considerations
Travelling abroad
People from South Ealing, Acton, Hanwell, Brentford and wider West London often need Hepatitis A and sometimes Hepatitis B vaccination for trips to parts of Africa, Asia, Central and South America or Eastern Europe.
Ideally, travel vaccinations should be planned several weeks before departure. This gives time to start the course and, if possible, complete it before you leave.
Workplace requirements
Many employers, especially in healthcare and certain industries, have clear policies on Hepatitis B vaccination and antibody checks. Staff are often required to keep their own records for future roles.
South Ealing Pharmacy can support staff from local clinics, care homes and other services who need to understand their vaccination status.
FAQs on Hepatitis A and B vaccine duration
I had my Hepatitis A vaccine ten years ago. Do I need a booster?
If you completed two doses and remain healthy, you are likely still protected. A booster might be discussed if you have very high ongoing risk or complex medical conditions.
I cannot remember how many Hepatitis B doses I have had. What should I do?
Your pharmacist or GP can review any records available. If information is unclear and you are at risk, repeating the course is often preferred to leaving a gap.
Can protection wear off completely?
Antibody levels do fall over time, but the immune system usually remembers the virus and responds quickly. Long term protection is expected after a full course in healthy people.
Is it safe to repeat the course if I am not sure?
For most people, repeating Hepatitis A or B vaccination is safe. This is often recommended when records are unclear and risk is significant. A clinician will advise based on your history.
Can I still get Hepatitis A or B after being vaccinated?
No vaccine is one hundred percent effective, but these vaccines are highly effective. Completing the full course greatly reduces the chance of serious infection.
Summary
Hepatitis A and B vaccines offer strong, long lasting protection for most people once the full course is completed. Many remain protected for decades, with boosters and tests mainly needed for higher risk groups.
If you are travelling soon, work in healthcare, have liver disease or are simply unsure about your vaccine status, the team at South Ealing Pharmacy can review your situation, check your records and plan any Hepatitis A or B vaccines you may need.
You can book online, visit the pharmacy in South Ealing or call for advice from the travel health team. ✅
References
- UK Health Security Agency. Hepatitis A and B combined vaccine Patient Group Direction v4.00.
- UK Health Security Agency. Hepatitis A information sheet.
- NHS. Available travel vaccines Hepatitis A.
- NHS. Hepatitis B vaccine.
- UK Health Security Agency. Immunisation against infectious disease Green Book chapters on Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B.
- British Liver Trust. Vaccines against Hepatitis B.
