Jesmond residents who are concerned about hepatitis A can seek advice from the local pharmacy but may be referred to a GP depending on their circumstances, a local pharmacist has said.

The pharmacist also said the pharmacy hopes to offer travel vaccinations in the future.

Chris Holmes, pharmacist at Jesmond Pharmacy told JesmondLocal the pharmacy could advise people who were worried about a possible infection. 

“But quite often if it’s a travel-related infection or bug or anything like that, we would normally have to refer them to a GP,” he said. 

The pharmacy could help people with managing symptoms, but more serious illness would require further medical attention. 

“They can go to a pharmacy and get treatment for their general symptoms,” he said. “So nausea, vomiting, that sort of thing. But if they were really poorly with it or anything like that, then they would have to see a GP.” 

His comments follow reports of two hepatitis A cases among pupils at Newcastle primary schools earlier this month. Vaccination is the best way to prevent Hepatitis A.

Holmes said: “People that want to get the Hepatitis A vaccine can either go to a GP surgery and some surgeries might be able to offer it, or some private clinics might do the vaccinations.”  

Only pharmacies that offer travel clinic services can administer travel vaccinations. “Any pharmacy can supply it as a prescription just to take away to a clinic or to the GP surgery for them to administer it. But the only way you can get it administered in a pharmacy as a vaccination would be in somewhere that does a travel clinic.” 

Jesmond Pharmacy does not currently administer the hepatitis A vaccine or other travel vaccines. “We are hoping to start offering travel vaccinations at some point in the near future,” Holmes added. 

What happened in Newcastle? 

Two cases of Hepatitis A were confirmed among pupils in two primary schools in Newcastle on October 2nd, 2026. The schools were Benton Park Primary School, in Longbenton, and Central Walker Church of England Primary School in Walker.  

A week later, health bosses confirmed both cases were not linked and said there was no evidence of further transmission among pupils. The UK Health Security Agency said that the risk of spreading the illness was low and sent letters to the parents and carers at the schools with information and guidance. No cases have been reported since then. 

What is Hepatitis A? 

Hepatitis A is a viral infection that affects the liver. Jonathan Lawler, consultant in health protection at UKHSA North East, told the Chronicle: “Hepatitis A is present in the faeces (poo) of an infected person and can be passed to others if the ill person accidentally contaminates another person, food, water or the bathroom, toilet or towels, as a result of poor hand washing.  

“The infection can then be picked up on other people’s hands and transferred to their mouth.” 

Symptoms include fever, tummy ache, feeling sick, diarrhoea or constipation, dark urine, pale stools and yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice). Most children, and some adults, may have mild symptoms or no symptoms. 

People with hepatitis A are usually infectious for seven days after jaundice begins, or seven days after their symptoms start if they do not develop jaundice. During this period, they should limit contact with other people to reduce the risk of spreading the infection. Adults should stay off work, and children should stay off school or nursery. 

Hepatitis A usually clears up on its own within three to six months and most people get a full recovery.  

There is no specific treatment for the virus, but healthcare professionals can advise on managing symptoms. In some cases, blood tests may be needed to monitor the liver.

If you think you may have been exposed to hepatitis A or develop symptoms, you can seek advice from your GP and tell them about the possible exposure. Follow NHS guidance on when to seek urgent help.