October 1, Minsk /Svetlana Vasilevskaya - BELTA/. Mass vaccination against influenza has begun in Belarus. This was reported to a BELTA correspondent by Natalya Shmeleva, Head of the Immunoprophylaxis Department of the Republican Center for Hygiene, Epidemiology and Public Health.
"Due to the fact that, according to WHO forecasts, the circulating strains of influenza viruses this year will differ from the previous season, medical professionals recommend mandatory preventive vaccinations," said Natalya Shmeleva.
In the current epidemic season, an increase in morbidity is expected at the typical time for the republic - in late January - early February. And since immunity against influenza develops within approximately three weeks and lasts for about six months, the optimal period for vaccination is October-November.
Influenza vaccination funded by the republican and local budgets will be carried out using the "Fluvaxin" vaccine. This vaccine has been used in the country for four years and has proven its effectiveness and safety. Paid vaccinations against the disease can also be obtained using other vaccines approved for use in Belarus, including "Influvac" (Netherlands), "Vaxigrip" (France), "Ultravac" (Russia), "Grippol", "Grippol plus" (Russia). "Each batch of influenza vaccine undergoes quality and safety compliance testing," noted the specialist.
A total of over 3.5 million Belarusians are planned to be vaccinated against influenza this year. Free vaccination will be provided to people at high risk of adverse consequences from influenza (children from 6 months to 3 years old, children from 3 years old and adults with chronic diseases, immunocompromised individuals, people over 65 years old, pregnant women), as well as those belonging to groups at high risk of influenza infection (medical workers of state outpatient and hospital organizations, residents of institutions with round-the-clock stay for children and adults (children from 6 months to 3 years old, children from 3 to 18 years old and adults), employees of state life support and security services).
The effectiveness of vaccination is evidenced by facts. Last year, when 37% of the population in Belarus was vaccinated, the incidence was not epidemic and was lower than in the last three years. Throughout the entire epidemic season, schools functioned normally, and the educational process was not suspended in any educational institution.