Ukraine has received 300,000 flu vaccines, local quarantines are possible from December: HEALTH MINISTRY
In October, more than 6,000 new cases of COVID-19 were registered in Ukraine, and about 8 million Ukrainians are still unvaccinated. At the same time, the country is preparing for a seasonal rise in the incidence of influenza: 300,000 doses of vaccines have been delivered to pharmacies, and local quarantines may be introduced in December. This was announced at a briefing by Chief Sanitary Doctor Igor Kuzin.
According to forecasts, the flu incidence is expected to peak in December and last until the end of February and beginning of March. Although the epidemic situation is currently stable, Kuzin said there is a possibility of local quarantines.
Each region will have its own epidemic threshold, and if the incidence rate exceeds this figure, quarantine measures will be introduced at the local level. Depending on which population groups will be most affected, restrictions may be imposed, including the transfer of education and work to a remote format.
Kuzin also said that vaccination against COVID-19 remains free in Ukraine. Currently, vaccinations are carried out mainly with the Omicron strain vaccine, and one vaccination is sufficient for most healthy people. Revaccination is recommended in 6-12 months only for those who are at risk: healthcare workers, educators and service workers.
Earlier, Health Minister Viktor Lyashko said that last season the flu incidence peaked at the end of February. In August, the Ministry of Health updated the recommendations for vaccination against COVID-19, making the process more accessible and easier.
Kuzin noted that the Health Ministry recorded 2,300 cases of COVID-19 in June, 11,500 cases in July, and more than 26,000 in the first half of August.
