More than 35% of Belarus residents have been vaccinated against influenza. This was reported to journalists by Irina Glynskaia, Deputy Chief Physician of the Republican Centre for Hygiene, Epidemiology and Public Health, as reported by a BELTA correspondent.
More than 35% of Belarus residents have been vaccinated against influenza. This was reported to journalists by Irina Glynskaia, Deputy Chief Physician of the Republican Centre for Hygiene, Epidemiology and Public Health, as reported by a BELTA correspondent.
"As of November 16, more than 3 million residents of Belarus have used the opportunity to protect themselves against influenza through vaccination, which is about 35% of the population. The vaccination campaign is ongoing and will continue into early December. Therefore, there is still an opportunity to get vaccinated against influenza," said Irina Glynskaia.
She noted that seasonal interest in vaccination usually sharply increases in January-February, when the first information about severe outcomes of the disease in other countries appears. "We immediately receive a flood of calls from people who want to be vaccinated immediately. It takes 2-3 weeks for protection to develop in the body after vaccination. When the virus is already actively circulating, we may encounter it before this protection develops. Therefore, do not postpone vaccination until the period when information about adverse outcomes appears," emphasized the Deputy Chief Physician.
Speaking about the specifics of the current immunization campaign, Irina Glynskaia noted that the percentage of vaccinated people in older age categories is steadily increasing. "This year, people aged 65 and older are being vaccinated very well. While in previous years we spoke of coverage of this contingent being around 20-30%, this year we are talking about 70%," she informed.
Previously, older people were convinced that flu vaccination was contraindicated for them due to chronic diseases. Doctors had to explain for a long time and provide data that such conditions, on the contrary, are indications for vaccination. "We explained to the elderly that with such conditions, the vaccination is well tolerated, sufficient protection is formed, but without such protection, unfortunately, the disease can end with severe complications or an adverse outcome. We were heard, and they came for vaccination," stated Irina Glynskaia.
According to her, the same trend is observed among people belonging to the high-risk group for influenza infection. This contingent is covered by the vaccination campaign by 50%. At the same time, a higher rate is registered among healthcare workers.