As the new school year approaches, Ukrainian families face not only the traditional preparation for school — buying textbooks, notebooks, and school uniforms — but also the important task of ensuring the health of their children. We all understand that the beginning of education is not only new knowledge and acquaintances, but also the exchange of viruses and bacteria in teams. In order to protect children from serious infectious diseases, the Ministry of Health of Ukraine established a list of mandatory vaccinations that all schoolchildren and preschoolers must have.
Required Kindergarten Immunizations: Why It Matters
Preschool age is a time when the child’s immunity is still forming, and collective games and spending time together in groups significantly increase the risk of contracting infectious diseases. That is why vaccination at this age is extremely important. In order for your child to be able to safely attend kindergarten, he must receive vaccinations against the ten most dangerous diseases.
This list includes:
- Tuberculosis. This disease remains one of the most common infections in the world, and although the number of patients has decreased in Ukraine, the risk of infection still exists.
- Hepatitis B. This virus can cause serious liver damage and is transmitted through the blood. To avoid severe consequences, the child is given three doses of the vaccine.
- Measles, mumps and rubella. These viral diseases are often severe and can lead to complications, so it is necessary to protect children from them with four doses of the vaccine.
- Whooping cough, diphtheria and tetanus. These infections can be fatal. Four doses of the vaccine provide reliable protection.
- Poliomyelitis. A virus that affects the nervous system and can cause paralysis. Vaccination against it is mandatory, and the child is given four doses.
- Hemophilic infection. This disease is caused by bacteria that can lead to serious complications such as meningitis or pneumonia. To avoid this, children receive three doses of the vaccine.
These vaccinations are not just a formality. They are the basis for the formation of collective immunity in the children’s environment, which helps to avoid outbreaks of dangerous diseases.
Vaccination for first graders: protection for many years
When a child goes to the first grade, his body is already protected thanks to early vaccinations. However, to maintain immunity, it is necessary to carry out repeated vaccinations. This includes:
- The second dose of vaccine against measles, mumps and rubella. The immunity formed at the first stage is strengthened and preserved for many years.
- The fifth dose of the polio vaccine. Re-administration of the vaccine provides reliable protection for the future.
- Fifth dose of vaccine against diphtheria and tetanus. This vaccination ensures that the child will be protected from these dangerous diseases during adolescence.
Vaccination for high school students: preparation for adulthood
Over time, the immunity formed in childhood can weaken, so teenagers also need additional vaccination. At the age of 14, children receive the sixth dose of the polio vaccine, and at the age of 16, the vaccination against diphtheria and tetanus. This provides reliable protection until adulthood.
Where to get vaccinated and how to organize it
The vaccination process in Ukraine is simple and affordable. Parents need to contact their family doctor, therapist or pediatrician with whom they made the declaration. In the absence of a declaration, you can contact the nearest medical institution. It is worth noting that all vaccinations included in the National Calendar of preventive vaccinations are free of charge.
Do not postpone a visit to the doctor until the last moment. The earlier you organize the vaccination, the smoother the preparation for the new school year will be. Take care of your children’s health and help them start the school year with reliable protection against dangerous diseases.
