Comprehensive Guide to Hepatitis A, B, A/B & Junior Hepatitis Vaccines at Cambridge Travel Clinic
Travelling, family life, and work can expose you to a variety of health risks, including hepatitis A and B. At Cambridge Travel Clinic at Petersfield Pharmacy, we specialise in providing fast, professional access to the full range of hepatitis vaccines — from hepatitis A and B to combination A/B formulations and paediatric (junior) vaccines. Whether you’re planning overseas travel, caring for young children, or updating your own immunisations, this guide will help you understand which vaccine is right for you in Cambridge.
What Are Hepatitis A and B?
Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis A and B are caused by two distinct viruses, each with its own mode of transmission, risks, and vaccine options.
Feature | Hepatitis A | Hepatitis B |
|---|---|---|
Virus type | Picornavirus | Hepadnavirus |
Transmission | Faecal–oral (contaminated food/water) | Blood and bodily fluids (needles, sexual contact) |
Incubation period | 15–50 days | 45–160 days |
Severity | Usually acute, self-limiting | Can become chronic, leading to cirrhosis or liver cancer |
Vaccine available | Yes (single-antigen) | Yes (single-antigen) |
A combined vaccine (hepatitis A/B) simplifies the schedule for those at risk of both infections. Paediatric (junior) doses are formulated and dosed specifically for children.
Who Needs Hepatitis Vaccination?
Hepatitis A Vaccine
Travellers to areas with poor sanitation (e.g. South Asia, parts of Africa, South America).
Families visiting friends or relatives abroad in rural settings.
Those working in childcare, food preparation, or healthcare in high-risk regions.
Hepatitis B Vaccine
Travellers to or working in regions with high hepatitis B prevalence (e.g. sub-Saharan Africa, East Asia).
Healthcare workers, laboratory staff, emergency responders.
Anyone with potential exposure to blood or bodily fluids (e.g. tattoos, piercings).
Combined Hepatitis A/B Vaccine
Long-term travellers, gap-year students, expatriates who may encounter both risks.
Individuals requiring rapid protection against both viruses in fewer visits.
Junior (Paediatric) Hepatitis Vaccines
Infants and young children as part of routine UK immunisations or special travel schedules.
Families planning to relocate or undertake long-stay travel with young children.
For a detailed assessment, book your travel health consultation here.
Vaccine Options & Schedules
1. Hepatitis A Vaccine (Havrix® or Vaqta®)
Schedule: Two doses, 6–12 months apart.
Onset of protection: ~2–4 weeks after first dose; boost confirmation after second dose.
Duration: At least 20 years after full course; possibly lifelong.
2. Hepatitis B Vaccine (Engerix-B® or HBVaxPro®)
Schedule:
Standard adult course: 0, 1, and 6 months
Accelerated adult course: 0, 1, and 2 months (plus 12-month booster)
Onset of protection: 1 month after second dose; full immunity after third.
Duration: At least 20 years in healthy individuals.
3. Combined Hepatitis A/B Vaccine (Twinrix®)
Schedule:
Standard: 0, 1, and 6 months
Accelerated: 0, 7, and 21–30 days (plus booster at 12 months)
Onset: 2 weeks for hepatitis A; 1 month after second dose for hepatitis B.
Duration: Similar to individual vaccines when full schedule completed.
4. Junior (Paediatric) Vaccines
Hepatitis A paediatric formula: Two doses, 6–12 months apart; half-adult strength.
Hepatitis B paediatric formula: Three doses at 0, 1, and 6 months; lower volume.
Combined A/B paediatric: Follows adult Twinrix® schedule with appropriate dosing.
Our clinicians will recommend the most suitable schedule based on age, health status, and travel itinerary.
Where to Get Hepatitis Vaccines in Cambridge
Visit Cambridge Travel Clinic at Petersfield Pharmacy for:
Expert review of your medical and travel history
Family-friendly environment with experience in paediatric vaccinations
Same-day and next-day appointments for urgent travellers
Full stock of single-antigen and combined vaccines
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
Location: 56 Mill Rd, Petersfield, Cambridge CB1 2AS
Phone: 01223 354383
Opening: Monday–Friday, 09:00–18:00; Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Book online via our booking page or call us for assistance.
Other Travel Vaccines You May Need
Depending on your destination and activities, you might consider:
Typhoid: /vaccines/typhoid-vaccine-cambridge-travel-clinic
Japanese Encephalitis: /vaccines/japanese-encephalitis-cambridge-travel-clinic
Tetanus, Diphtheria & Polio: /vaccines/tetanus-vaccine-cambridge-travel-vaccine
Rabies: /vaccines/rabies-vaccine-cambridge-travel-clinic
Yellow Fever (for certain entry requirements): /vaccines/yellow-fever-vaccine-cambridge-travel-clinic
For destination-specific advice, explore:
Why Choose Cambridge Travel Clinic at Petersfield Pharmacy?
Clinical Authority with a Personal Touch
GPhC-registered travel health specialists
In-depth knowledge of viral hepatitis and travel-related risks
Comprehensive, Convenient Service
Combine multiple vaccines in one visit
Flexible scheduling, including same-day slots
Family-friendly setting, ideal for children and nervous travellers
Local Expertise
Centrally located on Mill Road, Cambridge
Serving Cambridge and surrounds: Cherry Hinton, Newnham, Trumpington, Girton
Clear Pricing & Transparency
All fees displayed on our pricing page
No surprises—know your costs before you arrive
Planning Your Vaccination
Book Early
Standard courses: allow up to 6 months for full schedules.
Accelerated courses: minimum of 3–6 weeks before travel.
Share Your Itinerary
Rural stays, volunteering, or long-term assignments.
Specific activities with blood or food-handling risks.
Combine Appointments
Save time by receiving all required vaccines together.
Ask about malaria prophylaxis and travel health kits.
Keep Your Records
Receive a detailed travel health certificate.
Retain for future boosters or follow-up trips.
Trusted External Resources
For further reading and official guidelines, visit:
NHS Travel Vaccination Advice: www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/travel-vaccinations/travel-vaccination-advice/
Fit for Travel (NHS): www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk
TravelHealthPro: travelhealthpro.org.uk
GP at Hand Travel Health: www.gpathand.nhs.uk/information-and-services/travel-health/
Ready to Get Protected?
Hepatitis A and B are preventable diseases—but only if you’re vaccinated. Whether you need single vaccines, a combined A/B course, or paediatric formulations, Cambridge Travel Clinic at Petersfield Pharmacy has the expertise, supply, and convenient service to keep you and your family safe.
Book your hepatitis vaccine appointment today:
Online: Book now
Phone: 01223 354383
Travel with confidence. Stay Hepatitis-free. We look forward to caring for your health in Cambridge and beyond.
More information check out the following resources where we source information from:
Fit for Travel
Travel Health Pro
NHS Travel Advice