Hepatitis A and B Vaccination

The Combined Hepatitis A and B Vaccination Service from Ways Pharmacy is a private, pharmacist-administered course of combined hepatitis A and B vaccine (Twinrix or Ambirix) that protects against both viruses in one schedule, administered by appointment at our Holborn travel clinic, London (GPhC-registered), for travellers and at-risk adults and children from 12 months.

Key facts

Who should consider it

• Travellers to countries where hepatitis A or B is common who want both covered in one course
• People with potential blood or body-fluid exposure (healthcare workers, certain occupations)
• People in close contact with someone who has hepatitis B
• Children from 12 months travelling to risk areas (note combined schedules can take months)

Not suitable for: people with a confirmed allergy to a vaccine component; people acutely unwell with a fever on the day. For travellers under 18 a combined schedule can take several months, so separate hepatitis A and B vaccines may be preferable to ensure protection in time. The pharmacist will confirm the right approach.

How to book

1. Book your appointment online or by phone. The pharmacist confirms suitability at a short assessment before vaccination; payment is taken at the pharmacy.
2. Call Ways Pharmacy Holborn on 020 8106 7084 to arrange your appointment, ideally at least 5 weeks before travel.
3. At the appointment, the pharmacist reviews your age, travel timeline and risk factors and confirms whether a standard or accelerated schedule is suitable.
4. The first dose is administered into the upper arm; the follow-up doses are booked at the same visit.

Frequently asked questions

How many doses do I need?

You may need 3 or 4 doses depending on your age, the brand used and when you are travelling. A common schedule for last-minute travellers is three doses on day 0, day 7 and day 21, followed by a fourth dose at 12 months to complete the course. The pharmacist will confirm the right schedule for you.

How far before travel should I get it?

Aim to start at least 5 weeks before travelling so you can fit in the early doses. If you are short on time, the accelerated schedule gives earlier short-term cover, with a 12-month dose to lock in long-term protection.

Where do I get vaccinated?

The vaccine is administered by a GPhC-registered pharmacist at our Holborn travel clinic, Ways Pharmacy, 77 Southampton Row, London WC1B 4ET, near the British Museum and Holborn station. You can read more on our Holborn branch page.

How long does protection last?

Once the full course is complete, protection lasts up to about 25 years for hepatitis A and around 5 years for hepatitis B. If you remain at risk after that, a booster may be needed; the pharmacist will advise.

Should my child have the combined vaccine?

Children can have it from 12 months, but the combined schedule can take several months to finish. If your child is travelling soon, separate hepatitis A and B vaccines may give protection more quickly. The pharmacist will recommend the most suitable option.

Safety / who should not

• Administered by a GPhC-registered pharmacist in a private consulting room
• Clinical screening on the day to confirm suitability and check for acute illness
• Not given to anyone with a confirmed allergy to a vaccine component
• 15-minute observation period after each injection
• Common side effects (injection-site redness or pain, fever, headache, digestive upset, tiredness) usually settle within 1 to 2 days

References

• NHS — Hepatitis A vaccine
• NHS — Hepatitis B vaccine
• Twinrix — Patient Information Leaflet (emc)

* Subject to availability. Eligibility criteria and clinical exclusions apply. This is a private travel vaccination service and is not provided by the NHS.