Booster vaccination against COVID-19 infection

For two years, the coronavirus infection has been making significant adjustments not only to the healthcare system but also to many other sectors of the social sphere and economy, requiring prompt decisions to contain the epidemic spread of the infection.

Since the beginning of May, the situation with COVID-19 infection morbidity has stabilised in the Republic of Belarus. As predicted by infectologists and epidemiologists, the decrease in the number of patients was facilitated, in part, by the active vaccination and revaccination of the adult and child (aged 12 and over) population.

Vaccination is one of the greatest achievements of medicine. According to the World Health Organization, vaccination saves approximately 2.5 million human lives worldwide every year.

The focused efforts of medical science to create vaccines against coronavirus infection are yielding results. However, the immune response formed after the primary vaccination course is individual for each person, both in strength and duration. One thing is the same for everyone – this response fades over time.

The results of ongoing studies show that with the emergence of new variants of the virus, it is advisable to maintain a high level of specific antibodies. This requires additional (booster) doses of the vaccine, which will provide the body with higher protection against infection.

The administration of additional (booster) vaccination against COVID-19 for the population of the Republic of Belarus is determined by the Procedure developed by the Ministry of Health and approved by the Republican Expert Council on Immunization. It is carried out 6 months or more after the primary vaccination against COVID-19, administered with any vaccine.

Currently, the Sputnik Light vaccine produced by the Russian Federation is used for booster vaccination against COVID-19.

Booster vaccination is necessary for all previously vaccinated individuals, but it is primarily important for risk groups – for individuals with weakened immunity, for individuals over 60 years of age, for individuals undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, for those on hemodialysis, for healthcare workers, and for workers in inpatient facilities.

social services, for education workers.

A stronger immune system will help protect against severe illness, which is important given the emergence of new virus strains.

Booster doses of the vaccine usually do not cause more adverse reactions than primary vaccination and are generally well tolerated.

As of 18.07.2022, 5394 people in Lepel district have already received booster vaccinations.

To receive a booster vaccination, please contact the polyclinic, outpatient clinic, or paramedic-midwife station at your place of residence.

It is important to remember that for full protection against coronavirus, along with vaccination, it is necessary to observe the entire set of preventive measures: in crowded places, maintain a safe social distance (1 – 1.5 meters), practice hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette.

Epidemiologist of the State Institution "Lepel District Center for Hygiene and Epidemiology"

Natalia Pobortseva