Among Belarusians Under The Age Of 35, There Are Almost No New Cases Of A Certain Serious Infectious Disease

• 28.07.2026, 9:44

Thanks to the long-term mass vaccination campaign.

New cases of hepatitis B are almost nonexistent among Belarusians under the age of 35. This was reported during a press conference on July 27 by Irina Glinskaya, head of the Department of HIV Prevention and Parenteral Viral Hepatitis at the Republican Center for Hygiene, Epidemiology, and Public Health .

The specialist noted that children and adults under the age of 35–38 “are, for the most part, very well protected against this disease.”

“In the age group under 35, we see almost no cases of acute or chronic hepatitis,” said Irina Glinskaya.

The spokesperson emphasized that these results were achieved thanks to a long-standing mass vaccination program. In Belarus, free hepatitis B vaccination is provided for children starting at 12 hours of life.

“More than 97% of children under one year of age receive the hepatitis B vaccine annually, and this protection lasts for a long time—20 years or more,” said Irina Glinskaya.

Adults who are at higher risk of infection also receive the free vaccine. This category includes, for example, healthcare workers and people who live with a patient with hepatitis B.