More than 254 thousand doses of the omicron-specific vaccine against COVID-19 were delivered to Ukraine for free vaccinations.
The Ministry of Health reports this, Ukrinform reports.
“Updated version of the vaccine “Comirnaty” from the American company Pfizer, adapted specifically for protection against the Omicron strain. coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) delivered 254 thousand doses of the vaccine for children over five years of age and adults to Ukraine, and then it will be distributed among all regions. The delivery took place with the support of the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (Gavi),” the statement says.
As Deputy Minister Chief State Sanitary Doctor Igor Kuzin noted, the global trend for COVID-19 indicates that the virus is moving into the category of seasonal diseases, like the flu.
“Every year, people will encounter a coronavirus that will continue to mutate. The Omicron-specific vaccine, delivered by UNICEF, is adapted specifically to protect against the Omicron strain. SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus circulating in the country. Previously, this vaccine was used for booster vaccinations, and after changes in recommendations (Order of the Ministry of Health dated February 29, 2024 No. 346) it is authorized for the primary course. That is, Ukrainians who do not have vaccinations against COVID-19 have not completed the primary vaccination, or patients for whom the doctor recommends an additional “booster vaccination” will be able to receive it with an omicron-specific vaccine. It will be available in all areas,” — said Kuzin.
Also, as noted, the delivered batch contains vaccines for children from 5 to 11 years old, and for adults and adolescents from 12 years old.
According to the Ministry of Health, since the beginning of the epidemic season in October 2023, more than 3.7 million Ukrainians have been ill with ARVI, influenza and COVID-19. During this period, 839 deaths were recorded due to complications of COVID-19. According to the course of the disease, the strain “Omicron” predominantly occurs as a normal respiratory disease and does not cause severe oxygen dependence. However, it remains dangerous for risk groups: people with pathologies, chronic diseases and weakened immunity over 60 years of age. Therefore, vaccination is recommended for people at risk. It is free of charge, and you can get vaccinated at your family doctor or at a hospital-based vaccination point.
The Ministry of Health reminded that vaccinations against COVID-19 in 2024 remain free of charge for all Ukrainians. You can get vaccinated by making an appointment with your family doctor or at a vaccination point in a medical facility. After the outbreak of a full-scale war, the work of mass vaccination centers operating in shopping malls and other facilities adapted for mass vaccinations was stopped for security reasons. A network of vaccination points operating in outpatient clinics, hospitals, primary care centers — valid. Information about the nearest vaccination points, their addresses and opening hours can be found by calling the Ministry of Health contact center at 0 800 60 20 19. As reported, from March 11 to March 17, 150,422 people fell ill with ARVI, influenza and COVID-19, of which there are 88,829 of them — children. 597 people, including 94 children, were hospitalized in the country's hospitals due to complications of COVID-19. There were 24 deaths among patients who tested positive for COVID-19. All the deceased did not have preventive vaccinations against COVID-19 over the past 12 months.