The United Nations Children's Fund UNICEF delivered 240 thousand doses of oral polio vaccine to Ukraine as humanitarian aid.
This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Health, reports Ukrinform.
According to the Ministry of Health, two types of vaccines are used to protect against the polio virus in Ukraine: inactivated (IPV), administered in the form of injections, and oral (OPS), which is taken in the form of drops in the mouth. It is noted that the drops form immunity in the child’s intestines and thereby stop the spread of infection.
“UNICEF delivered 240,000 doses of oral polio vaccine in support of the National Immunization Program to Ukraine as humanitarian aid.”
Chairman of the UNICEF Office in Ukraine Murat Shahin noted the importance of ensuring uninterrupted access to life-saving vaccines for children and adults and maintaining a high level of routine immunization coverage.
«Every child has the right to adequate medical services. In times of war and displacement, gaps in immunization coverage pose a threat to children's health. We need to make sure that children who miss routine vaccinations can catch up – Shahin said.
The ministry also recalled that every child under 14 years of age must receive six doses of the polio vaccine. Vaccinations are carried out at 2, 4, 6 and 18 months, 6 and 14 years, which provides protection for life.
As Ukrinform reported, on August 1, the Ministry of Health stated that mandatory vaccination coverage for children under 16 years of age is not reach the recommended level.