An ongoing outbreak of hepatitis A has led to an emergency vaccination programme for local children in a town in Wales.
The emergency hepatitis A vaccination programme for young children began on 18 August 2026 at Barry Hospital.
Led by the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and Public Health Wales, the free vaccine rollout targets children aged 1 to 5 years to control an ongoing outbreak in the local community.
There have been 11 confirmed cases of hepatitis A in Barry since December 2025.
Parents or carers of those children who will be offered the vaccine will be invited to a vaccination clinic by a text message or letter from Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.
Eligible group children are those aged one to five years who live in Barry or attend a local school, nursery, or childcare setting.
Susan Mably, Consultant in Health Protection, said: “It is important that parents and carers of eligible children take up this free vaccination offer to protect their children, other children in their family, and others in the community.”
“A single dose of Hepatitis A vaccine is very effective, giving between 94 to 100 percent protection within days. This vaccine has a long-standing, globally recognised safety record, having been used safely for decades to protect millions of children worldwide.”
“Vaccination is an important part of our response to protect health in this outbreak,” she said.
Sion Lingard, Deputy Director of Public Health at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, commented: “Hepatitis A can spread easily, and young children may have few or no symptoms while still passing the virus on to others.
“By coming forward for vaccination, parents and carers can play a vital role in helping us break the chain of infection and bring this outbreak under control.
“This is a simple, safe and effective step that can make a real difference to children, families and the whole Barry community.”
Residents and visitors can continue normal activities in the Barry area, but good hand hygiene remains extremely important.
People should make sure they wash their hands with soap and water after using the toilet or changing nappies, and before preparing or eating food, during the outbreak, it has been advised.
