Pediatria pre prax 4/2007

VIRAL HEPATITIS IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENS AND VACCINATION AGAINST HEPATITIS

In the Czech Republic, the most important viral hepatitis are hepatitis A, B and C. Most of hepatitis A cases are observed in children, adolescents and young adults. Acute and chronic hepatitis B and C are rare among children. Incidence of hepatitis B and C increases among adolescents, hepatitis B cases are connected especially with initiation of sexual life, hepatitis C cases with intravenous drug abuse. Vaccination against hepatitis A and B is available, but hepatitis C vaccine was not invented yet. Individual hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for all children, especially before trip abroad. Regular hepatitis B vaccination is used among infants and 12 years old children. The immunisation started in year 2001, nowadays approximately two thirds of children and adolescents are vaccinated.

Keywords: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, vaccination.