Hepatitis A Cases Rise in Spain, Vaccination Recommended
Spain is experiencing a resurgence of hepatitis A infections, prompting health officials to reinforce preventative measures, including expanded vaccination recommendations. The increase in cases, particularly among children, has led the Spanish Association of Pediatrics (AEP) to include the hepatitis A vaccine in its 2026 immunization schedule.
Recent data indicates a significant rise in infections. For example, the region of Asturias reported a jump from 4 cases in 2024 to 57 cases in 2025, according to La Voz de Asturias. La Rioja too reported 12 cases through November 2025, as reported by Europa Press.
Dr. Francisco Álvarez, coordinator of the AEP’s Advisory Committee on Vaccines, explained that individuals under 50 are currently unprotected against the virus, leading to periodic outbreaks, especially in childcare settings. “Currently, people under 50 years of age are not protected from this disease, which can become serious, and outbreaks occur periodically, especially in nurseries, which must be treated,” Dr. Álvarez stated, according to HOLA.
The AEP recommends a two-dose schedule of the hepatitis A vaccine, beginning at 12-15 months of age. The vaccine is highly immunogenic, providing protection for many years after just one dose. Dr. Álvarez also emphasized the importance of vaccinating children and adolescents who have not previously received the vaccine.
This updated recommendation comes as part of broader changes to the AEP’s 2025 vaccination schedule, which also includes adjustments to the timing of vaccinations for measles, mumps, rubella, pertussis, and meningococcal disease. The AEP’s 2025 schedule also recommends advancing the second dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine to 2 years of age, and the dose of Tdap given in adolescence to 10–12 years of age, as detailed in Europa Press. These changes aim to improve protection against a range of infectious diseases and reflect current epidemiological trends.
The AEP’s updated guidance underscores the ongoing need for vigilance against hepatitis A and highlights the importance of vaccination as a key public health strategy. The expanded vaccination schedule is intended to protect children, adolescents, and pregnant women residing in Spain.
