The World Immunization Week has begun - it is held every year in the last week of April to remind about the importance of vaccinations to protect people - and especially young children - from infectious diseases.
This issue is extremely important for our country, because the level of vaccination coverage in Ukraine is insufficient. At the same time, the war continues, which, due to the frequent stay in shelters with other people, limited access to water, etc., brings infectious diseases closer to everyone.
"According to the World Health Organization, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccination rates have decreased worldwide. However, in Ukraine, the challenges of the pandemic have been added to the challenges of the war, which add considerable burden to the medical system. Therefore, we should not only take care of ourselves for ourselves, but also help the doctors in this way. The military defends us from a clear enemy, and we have to protect ourselves and our children from invisible threats - diseases!" - noted Deputy Minister of Health - Chief State Sanitary Doctor Ihor Kuzin.
The remainder of the vaccines received in 2022 and the guaranteed supply of vaccines in 2023 will allow routine vaccination to be continued and ensure the necessary coverage of the needs of Ukrainians in mandatory vaccinations. In 2023, as in 2022, the need for some routine vaccines will be partially covered with the support of international partners.
We will remind you that at the end of March, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) delivered to Ukraine 35,200 doses of the combined vaccine against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), and at the beginning of April - more than 650,000 doses of vaccines against poliomyelitis within the framework of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GIP). .
Ukraine guarantees its citizens vaccination against 10 infectious diseases: hepatitis B, tuberculosis, poliomyelitis, diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, hemophilic infection (Hib), measles, rubella, and epidemic parotitis ("mumps").
These vaccinations are included in the National Calendar and can be obtained free of charge from a family doctor/pediatrician. In addition, children aged 5 years and older and adults can be vaccinated against COVID-19 free of charge.
All vaccines used in Ukraine are safe and effective.
Each dose of vaccine in the vaccination schedule is designed to create or maintain protection against disease. If the child misses vaccination or receives it later, the risk of infection and serious course of the disease increases.
Time is important, so get vaccinated on time. If you miss one of them, you don't need to start the whole series of vaccinations from the beginning. However, it is extremely important to make up for missed doses as soon as possible - consult your doctor for a schedule.
It is recommended to do several vaccinations at the same time - this is a global practice that allows you to protect yourself from several diseases at once. And the use of multicomponent vaccines reduces the number of visits to the doctor, injections and provides protection against several infections at once.
Remember, every vaccination is important for your protection and the protection of those you love.