Hepatitis A & B
It says I don't have hepatitis antibodies – people who need to get vaccinated, people who need to be monitored.
Hepatitis A - More risky for people in their 20s to 40s.
Hepatitis A is an acute liver inflammation that can be transmitted through contaminated food and water (such as cases involving fermented shellfish). While it's often mild in children, it can be severe in adults and frequently requires hospitalization. The current generation of people aged 20-40 are particularly vulnerable because they lack natural immunity.
- If your health check reveals "no Hepatitis A antibodies," vaccination with two doses (administered 6 months apart) provides reliable prevention.
- It is especially recommended for individuals with chronic liver disease, those working in the food service industry, and travelers to areas with poor sanitation.
Source: 질병관리청 감염병포털 · as of 2026-08-13
Hepatitis B – For those who are carriers, regular monitoring is crucial for their health.
Individuals infected with the hepatitis B virus, even if they have no symptoms, should undergo standard monitoring for liver cirrhosis and liver cancer every 6 months through liver function tests and ultrasound examinations.
- The need for antiviral medication is determined by test results, so regular check-ups are essentially treatment.
- Family members (spouse and children) should undergo antibody testing; if antibodies are absent, they should be vaccinated.
- It is not transmitted through sharing meals – the main modes of transmission are blood, sexual contact, and childbirth. This is a disease for which there is no basis for everyday discrimination.
Source: 질병관리청 감염병포털 · as of 2026-08-13
Frequently asked questions
It says I don't have hepatitis B antibodies. Should I get vaccinated again?
Even if antibodies appear to have disappeared after previous vaccinations, immune memory often remains. Generally, whether or not to receive booster shots (either one shot followed by antibody confirmation, or three shots in total) is determined in consultation with a doctor based on the level of risk.
Is there a vaccine for hepatitis C?
There is no surgery available. Instead, a cure is now possible with medication. If you receive a positive result for Hepatitis C antibodies during a national health checkup (information provided for those aged 56 or older) or during a medical consultation, be sure to connect it to treatment.
Sources for this page
· 질병관리청 감염병포털 (as of 2026-08-13)Last checked: 2026년 8월 13일
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