Parents and carers of children aged one to five years old in Barry are being urged to act now and ensure those eligible get their hepatitis A vaccination. Public Health Wales confirmed that the hepatitis A outbreak is continuing in the town ahead of pupils going back to school next week.
The body warned that vaccinating children aged five and younger as soon as possible will help protect them, their families and the wider community, as well as reducing the risk of further spread.
Back-to-school vaccination push
Public Health Wales is encouraging families to make vaccination part of their back-to-school checklist as children prepare to return to nurseries, childcare settings and schools for the new academic year. Children, particularly those under five years old, can experience very mild symptoms from hepatitis A or may have no symptoms at all.
This means an infected child may be able to pass the virus on without their parents or carers realising they are unwell. Vaccinating young children is important because hepatitis A can cause more serious illness in some people, including older adults and people who are more vulnerable because of existing health conditions or a weakened immune system.
Walk-in clinic available
Parents and carers of eligible children do not need to wait for an appointment. The vaccination clinic at Barry Hospital, Colcot Road, Barry, CF62 8YH, is now operating as a walk-in clinic, with no appointment necessary. The clinic is open Monday to Saturday, from 9am to 5pm, until Saturday, September 5.
Susan Mably, Consultant in Health Protection at Public Health Wales, said: “As families start preparing for the new school year, we are asking parents and carers of eligible children in Barry to put hepatitis A vaccination on their back-to-school to-do list.
“Young children can sometimes have very mild symptoms of hepatitis A, or no symptoms at all. While they may not appear unwell, they can still pass the infection on to other people.
“By getting your child vaccinated, you are not only helping to protect them, you are also helping to prevent the virus spreading further through the community and reaching people who may be much more vulnerable to serious illness.”
Health officials encourage uptake
Dr Claire Beynon, Executive Director of Public Health at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, said: “The vaccination clinic at Barry Hospital is now walk-in, so there is no need to make an appointment. The clinic is open six days a week to help parents pick a day or time that is convenient to them.
“Getting your child vaccinated is a simple, safe and effective and we would encourage parents who have not yet taken up the offer yet to come along before their children return for the new school year.”
Hepatitis A is an infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus. It is usually spread through close contact with an infected person or through food or drink contaminated with small amounts of infected faeces. Good hand hygiene remains an important way of reducing the risk of infection. People should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and warm water, particularly after using the toilet or changing nappies and before preparing or eating food.
Parents and carers who are eligible for the vaccination offer are encouraged to take advantage of the walk-in clinics as soon as possible.
Vaccination clinic details
The vaccination is being offered to all children aged one to five years who live in Barry or attend a school, nursery or other childcare setting in Barry.
- Where: Barry Hospital, Colcot Road, Barry, CF62 8YH
- When: Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm
- Until: Saturday, September 5
- Appointments: No appointment is necessary – simply walk in.
