Mandatory hepatitis vaccinations for all Thai residents recommended
Thailand Joins Global Effort to Combat Hepatitis
Thailand has joined the World Health Organisation's (WHO) mission to reduce new hepatitis infections by at least 90% by 2030. This ambitious goal aims to curb the spread of this potentially deadly virus, which affects millions worldwide.
Hepatitis B, a highly resilient and long-lasting virus, is one of the main concerns. While some people contract hepatitis B as adults, the majority of cases are transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy.
Fortunately, the hepatitis B vaccine offers proven and effective protection against the disease. In Thailand, the vaccine is usually recommended for newborns as part of the national immunization program. It is also advised for high-risk groups, such as healthcare workers, people with chronic liver disease or other medical risks, and those at high risk due to behaviors or exposure. This includes intravenous drug users, sexual partners of infected persons, and those who have received blood transfusions, undergone medical procedures, or had tattoos in unsterilised conditions.
Everyone is urged to receive at least one dose of the hepatitis B vaccine, as a single dose provides 95% protection against the disease. However, it's crucial to consult the official website or communications from Chulabhorn Hospital or the Thai Ministry of Public Health for their latest vaccination recommendations, as specifics may vary.
Unfortunately, there is currently no vaccine for hepatitis C. Prevention focuses on reducing exposure risks and treating existing infections.
It's important to note that while at least 90% of patients infected with the hepatitis virus can recover naturally, if left untreated, liver disease caused by hepatitis B can progress to cirrhosis and liver cancer.
In Thailand, at least two to three million people are chronic sufferers of hepatitis B, and about 350,000 have hepatitis C. Globally, over a million people die from hepatitis B each year.
While the fight against hepatitis is a global one, with Thailand joining the WHO's mission, there is hope for a healthier future. By getting vaccinated and taking precautions, we can help reduce the number of new infections and eventually eradicate this virus.
The Thai government's cooperation in the global fight against hepatitis extends to promoting health-and-wellness initiatives, with a focus on ensuring are vaccinated against hepatitis B, as part of the national immunization program and for high-risk groups, as recommended by Chulabhorn Hospital and Thai Ministry of Public Health. Additionally, science plays a crucial role in the research and development of vaccines and treatments for hepatitis C, which currently has no vaccine.
