Hepatitis A in Poland in 2003

Epidemiological situation of hepatitis A in Poland since 1997 was evaluated as low endemicity and since 2002 as very low endemicity. High percentage of cases were noted among adult persons, especially in the age 25-29 years. The course of disease was more serious, than before 1997. In 2004 only 95 cases of hepatitis A were noted in Poland (Incidence rate 0.25/100 000). The number and percentage of unimmunized persons, especially among children, adolescents and young adults increases very rapidly. In such situation vaccination against hepatitis A of persons from risk groups is necessary.