TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC, 疾管署) announced on Friday (Dec. 27) a change in the Hepatitis A vaccine schedule for children, effective Jan. 1. The new schedule will require children to receive doses at 18 and 27 months, addressing the issue of missed vaccinations under the current timeline.
The CDC noted that the current schedule, which administers doses at 12 and 18 months, has led to reduced effectiveness due to missed vaccinations. CDC Deputy Director-General Tseng Shu-hui (曾淑慧) emphasized that the new schedule aligns with international recommendations, allowing the first dose between 12 and 23 months and the second dose 6 to 12 months later.
The revised schedule aims to enhance immunity in children and streamline the vaccination process for parents. The first dose can coincide with the fourth dose of the pentavalent vaccine, while the second dose can be administered alongside the second dose of the Japanese encephalitis vaccine. The CDC emphasized that Hepatitis A primarily spreads through contaminated food, water, or direct contact, and vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure.
Currently, the Pau Jar Charity Foundation (財團法人寶佳公益慈善基金會) donates government-provided vaccines, offering over 90% protection after one dose and maintaining immunity for over 20 years after completing two doses. The CDC also advised maintaining good hygiene practices, including proper handwashing before meals, after using the restroom, and before handling food, to ensure personal and family health.