Free Hepatitis A Vaccination for High-Risk Groups Starting Tomorrow

Targeting Individuals Born 1970-1999 with Low Antibody Formation Rates

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency announced on the 12th that starting from the 13th, free hepatitis A vaccinations will be provided for patients with chronic liver diseases such as chronic hepatitis B and C, and liver cirrhosis.

The free vaccination targets are high-risk groups aged 20 to 40 (born between 1970 and 1999) who have a medical history of chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, liver fibrosis, cholangitis, and other related conditions.

The vaccine must be administered twice at six-month intervals. Individuals in their 20s and 30s (born between 1980 and 1999), who have a low antibody prevalence rate, can receive the vaccine starting from the 13th without antibody testing. Those in their 40s (born between 1970 and 1979), who have a higher antibody prevalence rate, can receive the vaccine starting from February 1 only if antibody testing indicates the need for vaccination.

The agency plans to send personalized notification texts and guidance letters to eligible recipients. Those who receive the notification can visit public health centers or designated medical institutions for vaccination.

However, since the timing of vaccination implementation and availability of antibody testing may vary by public health center or designated medical institution, it is necessary to check the possibility of antibody testing or vaccination in advance through the Disease Control and Prevention Agency’s vaccination assistant website or the local public health center before visiting.

Hepatitis A cases surged to 660 patients per week during August 18?24 last year, but after the recommendation to stop consuming salted clams, which were identified as the cause, the number steadily decreased to 60 patients per week during December 22?28 last year.

Director Jeong Eun-kyung stated, "Although hepatitis A cases have significantly decreased, they are still occurring at usual levels," and urged, "High-risk groups such as patients with chronic liver diseases must get vaccinated." She added, "Do not consume salted clams whose safety has not been confirmed, and make sure to cook shellfish thoroughly. Please follow personal preventive measures such as washing hands with running water."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.