In an international study on hepatitis A and hepatitis A&B vaccinations, uptake was 67 per cent following HCP advice compared to 53 per cent based on non-HCP advice.16

While that demonstrates the importance of HCP endorsing vaccination, it does not mean vaccination courses were completed. Although 70 per cent of the travellers (n=27,386). had consulted a HCP about travel vaccinations including for hepatitis, “adherence rates to hepatitis A or A&B vaccination schedules were low.”

The UK had the lowest adherence (at 11 per cent) to the full hepatitis A&B vaccination schedule, compared to the average of 27 per cent across the seven countries (Australia, Canada, Finland, Germany, Norway, Sweden, and the UK). The top level of 47 per cent was in Finland. The UK’s 27 per cent adherence rate for hepatitis A vaccination was second lowest out of seven, and below the international average of 37 per cent.

Among the reasons cited for only partial adherence were:

·       lack of information about the vaccination schedules (36 per cent)

·       lack of time (28 per cent)

·       the need for reminders (24 per cent).

Travellers who were only partially vaccinated also believed they had had the full schedule of vaccination in 61 per cent of cases for hepatitis A, and 84% of hepatitis A&B cases. A lack of information was the most common factor (63 per cent) given by those not vaccinated.