Public Health Wales is offering free vaccinations to children aged 1–5 who either live in Barry or attend a local childcare or education setting, following a number of hepatitis A cases identified in the Town.
The move follows recent guidance issued to parents of primary school pupils in Barry, after health officials confirmed a small cluster of Hepatitis A cases, with 11 confirmed since December 2025. All cases involve the same strain, suggesting the virus may have been spreading locally.
Hepatitis A is an infection of the liver caused by a virus that spreads easily. Symptoms can include high temperature, feeling sick, and having stomach pain. Whilst many young children might show minor or no symptoms when they are infected, they can still carry the virus and easily pass it on to others who may be vulnerable and become severely ill.
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board announced the new vaccination programme on Monday, describing it as a precaution designed to protect young children and reduce further spread in the community.
Children are eligible if they either: live in Barry, or attend a school, nursery, childminder, playgroup or other childcare setting in Barry
Health officials emphasise that children only need to meet one of these criteria to receive the free vaccine.
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. The vaccinations will be given at Barry Hospital from Tuesday 18th August 2026. It will be open on weekdays and Saturday from 9am to 5pm.
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. Trained clinical staff will be at the clinic to help, confirm your permission and check that your child can safely have the vaccine.
"Vaccination is an important part of our response to protect health in this outbreak. Residents and visitors can continue normal activities in the Barry area, but good hand hygiene remains extremely important. Everyone should make sure they wash their hands with soap and water after using the toilet or changing nappies, and before preparing or eating food, particularly while this outbreak is ongoing."
Sion Lingard, Deputy Director of Public Health at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, said: "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."
Hepatitis A is an infection of the liver caused by a virus. Symptoms can include:
- high temperature
- flu-like symptoms such as tiredness, headache and muscle pains
- feeling sick,
- stomach discomfort,
- dark urine,
- pale poo and yellowing of the whites of the eyes or skin – this may be harder to see on brown or black skin.
Anyone concerned about symptoms should contact their GP or NHS 111 Wales for advice and should telephone before attending a healthcare setting.
Public Health Wales and partners are continuing to investigate the outbreak, trace contacts of confirmed cases and offer vaccination where appropriate. The situation and vaccination uptake will continue to be monitored and public health advice will be updated if necessary.
Parents and carers with questions about the vaccination programme can find out more on our dedicated webpage: Hepatitis A vaccine for young children in Barry - Public Health Wales
Further information about Hepatitis A is available on the NHS 111 Wales website, or at Hepatitis A - Public Health Wales.
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