Given the ongoing influenza epidemic in the European Region, favorable weather conditions, and low incidence of influenza, the Ministry of Health has decided to extend the influenza vaccination campaign in order to protect our risk groups.
It should be noted that currently the influenza activity in the European Region is 24% and exceeds the epidemic level by 10%. The Republic of Belarus is actively preparing for the expected increase in influenza incidence. So far, the current epidemiological situation in Belarus is characterized as good. The number of influenza cases is 25% lower than the same period last year. Non-influenza respiratory viruses dominate (adenovirus, rhinovirus, parainfluenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, seasonal coronavirus).
Dear citizens, you still have time to protect your body – it is important to get vaccinated in time! After all, according to the forecast, an increase in the incidence of influenza and an increase in the circulation of influenza viruses is expected within several weeks.
We remind you: vaccination against influenza is available free of charge and on a paid basis. Persons who have not yet received a flu vaccination, especially persons belonging to risk groups (children aged 6 months to 3 years, children from 3 years and adults with chronic diseases and immunodeficiency states, persons over 65 years of age, pregnant women, medical and pharmaceutical workers, children and adults who are in institutions with a 24-hour stay, employees of state bodies that ensure the security of the state and the vital activity of the population), can get vaccinated at healthcare organizations at their place of residence.
Along with other viruses, the SARS-CoV-2 virus continues to circulate, which is the cause of more than 80% of cases of viral pneumonia.
Since January 8, vaccination of the adult population against the COVID-19 coronavirus infection has been carried out. This year, the Canvasel vaccine is used for immunization. It was developed at the St. Petersburg Research Institute of Vaccines and Serums of the FMBA (Russia).
This drug implements a fundamentally new approach to creating vaccines for the prevention of coronavirus infection – the vaccine is based on a recombinant N-protein (which does not have variability independent of the SARS-CoV-2 virus strain). Given this, the vaccine is effective against all circulating SARS-CoV-2 viruses, both in our country and abroad.
According to the manufacturer, the vaccine is 85.2% effective, and it has a favorable safety profile.
In September 2023, representatives of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Belarus visited the production. It was noted that about 70 percent of the time spent on vaccine development is spent on quality control and safety.
The Ministry of Health primarily recommends vaccination against coronavirus infection for groups at increased risk of developing a severe course of the disease and a high risk of infection, in accordance with the instructions for medical use and the list of preventive vaccinations for epidemic indications, including:
- individuals with immunosuppression (including HIV infection, autoimmune diseases, cancer, etc.);
- individuals over 60 years of age;
- individuals who are in and work in institutions with a 24-hour stay.
All citizens of our country who have reached the age of 18 and do not have medical contraindications to vaccination can also be vaccinated against COVID-19 free of charge by contacting a clinic at their place of residence.
The Ministry of Health reminds that vaccination is the most effective means of preventing infectious diseases.
In order to prevent acute respiratory infections, influenza and COVID-19, it is important to follow the rules of personal hygiene and “respiratory etiquette”:
- cough and sneeze into a tissue or, if there is no tissue, into the crook of your elbow;
- ventilate the premises more often and carry out wet cleaning;
- adhere to a healthy lifestyle;
- get enough sleep;
- eat a balanced diet;
- be physically active.
The National Vaccination Calendar has been updated in the Republic of Belarus.
- The national vaccination schedule has been supplemented with vaccination against human papillomavirus for girls aged 11.
- The population contingents subject to vaccination against pneumococcal infection have been expanded – now all children aged 2, 4 and 12 months are subject to vaccination.
- Booster vaccination of children aged 6 against pertussis infection has been introduced.
Currently, healthcare institutions have organized registration on “waiting lists” of persons wishing to vaccinate their children against pneumococcal infection, HPV infection, and pertussis.
Currently, the procedure for purchasing immunobiological drugs for vaccinating the population against the above-mentioned infections is underway. All citizens who, by age, need to undergo routine immunization will be invited to healthcare institutions additionally.
It is planned that organized vaccination of girls subject to the 2014 quota against HPV infection in educational institutions will begin in April-May (1st dose of the vaccine) and in October-November (2nd dose of the vaccine).
According tothe Ministry of Health
