Ukraine received 30 thousand doses of rabies vaccine as part of cooperation between the Ministry of Health and WHO
Ukraine received 30,000 doses of rabies vaccine as part of the Ministry of Health’s cooperation with the World Health Organization with the financial support of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre. Vaccines have already been delivered and distributed to all regions of the country, informs press office of the Ministry of Health.
In the health care system, Centers for anti-rabies assistance are defined in medical institutions of each region. They are provided with the necessary drugs, and the doctors of these centers provide medical assistance in cases of bites, scratches or maulings by animals. Here they carry out primary treatment of wounds, appoint and carry out a course of vaccinations against rabies if necessary. You can find out about the work of centers in your region by calling the contact center of the Ministry of Health at 0 800 505 201.
Rabies is a viral and fatal infection, but its development in humans can be prevented by timely vaccination. Most often, infection occurs through the bites of infected animals, among which the main sources are dogs and cats – both homeless and unvaccinated pets. Animal vaccination is carried out by veterinarians of the State Production and Consumer Service.
In case of a bite or sting by an animal – wild, homeless or even domestic, regardless of the presence of vaccination – the affected area must be treated immediately. The site of the bite or scratch should be thoroughly washed with soap for 10-15 minutes, after which a sterile bandage should be applied.
The further amount of assistance is determined by the doctor: in some cases, only vaccination is sufficient, and sometimes it is combined with the administration of anti-rabies immunoglobulin. Even the saliva of an animal that got on the damaged skin can be a reason to start treatment. According to doctors, rabies vaccination prevents the development of the disease in 96-99% of cases.
