The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF Ukraine) has delivered more than 254 thousand doses of the omicron-specific vaccine against COVID-19 to Ukraine for free vaccinations. This was reported by UNN with reference to the Ministry of Health.
Details
It is noted that the vaccine is intended for children from five years old and adults in Ukraine, then it will be distributed among all regions. The delivery was supported by the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (Gavi).
The global trend on COVID-19 shows that the virus is moving into the category of seasonal diseases, like the flu. Every year, people will be exposed to the coronavirus, which will continue to mutate. The omicron-specific vaccine delivered by UNICEF is adapted specifically to protect against the "Omicron" strain of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus that is circulating in the country
Addendum
The Ministry of Health said that since the beginning of the epidemic season in October 2023, more than 3.7 million Ukrainians have contracted SARS, influenza, and COVID-19. During this period, 839 deaths were registered as a result of COVID-19 complications.
It is noted that the course of the disease is mostly characterized by a common respiratory illness and does not cause severe oxygen dependence. However, it remains dangerous for risk groups: people with pathologies, chronic diseases and weakened immune systems, and those over 60 years of age.
Therefore, vaccination is recommended for people at risk. It is free of charge, and you can get vaccinated at your family doctor or at a hospital-based vaccination center.
Vaccinations against COVID-19 in 2024 remain free of charge for all Ukrainians. You can get vaccinated by making an appointment with your family doctor or at a vaccination center in a medical facility. After the outbreak of full-scale war, the work of mass vaccination centers operating in shopping malls and other adapted premises for mass vaccinations was suspended for security reasons. The network of vaccination points operating in outpatient clinics, hospitals, and primary health care centers is still in place. Information about the nearest vaccination points, their addresses and working hours can be found by calling the Ministry of Health contact center at 0 800 60 20 19
Recall
Ihor Kuzin, Deputy Minister of Health and Chief Sanitary Doctor of Ukraine, stated that despite not reaching the WHO-recommended vaccination rate, COVID-19 is becoming a seasonal disease in Ukraine, with annual outbreaks expected in the fall and winter.