Public Health Wales has urged families in Barry to make hepatitis A vaccination a top priority for children aged one to five.
The call comes as children prepare to return to schools and childcare settings for the new academic year.
Hepatitis A is an infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus. It typically spreads through close personal contact or by consuming food or drink contaminated with small amounts of infected faeces.
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.”
A walk-in vaccination clinic is now open at Barry Hospital on Colcot Road, operating Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm.
It will remain open until Saturday, September 5.
No appointment is necessary.
The vaccine is being offered to all children aged one to five who live in Barry or attend a school, nursery, or childcare setting in Barry.
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.”
Children under five may show very mild or no symptoms of hepatitis A, making it easy for them to unknowingly pass the virus to others.
Vaccination not only protects the child but also helps reduce the risk of further spread within the community.
This is particularly important for protecting vulnerable groups, including older adults and those with existing health conditions or weakened immune systems.
Good hand hygiene remains essential in reducing the risk of infection.
People are advised to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and warm water, particularly after using the toilet or changing nappies and before preparing or eating food.
