Medical institutions of Ukraine received the combined vaccine PENTA-Hib, which should protect children from five diseases
In conditions of constant shelling, evacuations and losses, Ukraine continues to fight not only for the future, but also for the health of its smallest citizens. Vaccination of children in such realities becomes an important element of protection, helping to prevent the spread of deadly diseases. However, even with the availability of vaccines, some parents fear vaccinations.
Protection against five threats with one shot
Ukrainian medical institutions received 100,000 doses of the PENTA-Hib combined vaccine for free vaccinations, which should protect children against five diseases at once. About this reported Ministry of Health.
PENTA-Hib is a vaccine that simultaneously protects children against five dangerous diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B and hemophilic infection. It was purchased and delivered by UNICEF in cooperation with the Ministry of Health. It has already been distributed among the regions in accordance with the declared needs, in order to provide free vaccination in accordance with the current Preventive Vaccination Calendar.
According to the Ministry of Health, the use of combined vaccines allows to significantly reduce the number of injections a child receives, as well as to reduce the number of visits to medical institutions. In times of war, when families are under constant stress, when many are forced to evacuate, this is especially important. Such vaccines make it possible to protect children faster and more comfortably, helping to make up for missed vaccinations.
“The transition to combined vaccines is an important stage in the development of the health care system. It is not only about convenience, but about protection at a time when children need it the most. In conditions of war and population migration, we must do everything to ensure children have access to safe vaccination. It is important for parents to check the vaccination status of themselves and their children, and in case of missing vaccinations, contact the nearest clinic.” — noted Ihor Kuzin, Deputy Minister of Health of Ukraine.
Vaccination in conditions of war
Vaccination can be done free of charge in public medical institutions or private clinics that have concluded an agreement with the National Health Service. The Ukrainian Calendar of preventive vaccinations provides vaccination against 10 dangerous diseases: tuberculosis, hepatitis B, measles, epidemic parotitis, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis and hemophilic infection.
In January 2025, the Ministry of Health also published for public discussion the project of changes to the Calendar of preventive vaccinations. In addition, mandatory vaccination of girls aged 12 to 13 against papillomavirus infection, which can cause cervical cancer, is planned from 2026. In addition, changes are being made to the hepatitis B vaccination schedule.
The Ministry of Health believes that the war makes vaccination not just a medical procedure, but a matter of national security. Due to the change of place of residence, constant migration, limited access to medical services, many children miss important vaccinations. This increases the risk of outbreaks of dangerous diseases that may lead to new victims among the smallest Ukrainians.
Why parents are afraid to vaccinate their children
Vaccination is one of the main ways to protect a child from deadly diseases. However, even with the availability of vaccines, some parents remain hesitant. They fear, doubt and postpone vaccination, looking for answers to difficult questions. Fear of vaccination is often associated with a number of factors. One of them is the lack of reliable information. Myths about the danger of vaccines, side effects or their ineffectiveness are widespread in society. Many parents, especially in times of war, face an information vacuum when there is no access to professional advice and untrustworthy claims are spread online.
Another factor is individual medical concerns. Some parents worry about possible allergic reactions or other complications after vaccination. However, it is important to understand that most adverse reactions are short-term, and the risks of refusing vaccination are much higher, because an unvaccinated child remains vulnerable to dangerous infections.
The stress associated with the war also affects the perception of vaccination. When families are forced to leave their homes in search of safety, the issue of vaccinations can seem secondary. However, it is precisely in such circumstances that children need additional protection, because in difficult living conditions the risk of infection increases.
Another fear is distrust of the health care system. Some parents question the quality of vaccines or the level of training of medical professionals. These concerns may be understandable, but it is worth remembering that Ukraine has strict quality control standards and most vaccines are supplied by international partners such as UNICEF.
How to overcome fears
First of all, it is important to get information from reliable sources. A consultation with a pediatrician or family doctor will help to remove unnecessary fears, explain how the vaccine works and the risks of refusing it. Every vaccination decision should be based on facts, not hearsay.
Parents should remember that vaccination is not only about the protection of a specific child, but also about the safety of the entire society. Thanks to collective immunity, the risk of spreading dangerous diseases among all children is reduced.
In cases of individual medical features, it is important to discuss this with a doctor. Sometimes the vaccination schedule can be adapted, additional examinations can be done or a decision can be made to postpone vaccination.
Despite all the arguments, vaccination is a personal choice for each family. In a country where war steals childhood, this choice becomes even more difficult. It is important that parents do it consciously, understanding all the risks and consequences. Vaccination is not only about the present, but also about the future, about the opportunity to give a child a healthy life. But the final decision is everyone’s right. And let this choice be made with the most important thing in mind: the life and safety of your children.
