Czechia reports highest number of hepatitis A cases since 1989

Since the beginning of the year, 2,374 people in Czechia have contracted hepatitis A — the highest number since the fall of communism. Prague alone has recorded 1,010 cases, including 71 in the past week, health officials report. Eleven people have died. According to Prague’s chief hygienist Vladimír Možíšek, none of the patients were vaccinated, showing the vaccine’s effectiveness. Demand for it has caused temporary shortages, but 125,000 additional doses for children and adults are expected within five weeks. Last year, 66,000 people were vaccinated; this year, nearly 150,000. The vaccine, which costs around 1,500 crowns per dose, is not yet covered by public health insurance, though full reimbursement could start in 2027.