On November 2, Vitebsk / Olga Bogacheva - BELTA /. In the Vitebsk region, 377.3 thousand people have been vaccinated against influenza as of November 1, including over 123 thousand children, the chief physician of the Vitebsk Regional Center for Hygiene, Epidemiology and Public Health, Vladimir Sinkevich, told a BELTA correspondent. The total vaccination coverage currently stands at 31.08% of the population, or 87.4% of the regional plan for this year's immunization. In accordance with the latest plan, the Vitebsk region intends to cover at least 35% of the population and 40% of employees of large enterprises with influenza vaccinations this year. "The immunization campaign for the population of all risk groups is actively underway throughout the region, including thanks to the extensive explanatory work carried out by medical professionals. Vaccines with low reactogenicity and high immunogenicity are used for vaccinations in healthcare organizations. These vaccines protect against influenza viruses that are predicted to circulate in the 2012-2013 epidemic season," noted Vladimir Sinkevich. This year, it is planned to vaccinate over 110 thousand residents in the Vitebsk region using funds from the republican budget, 260.3 thousand using funds from the local budget, 60.7 thousand using funds from enterprises, organizations, and institutions, and over 8 thousand using personal funds of citizens. During this period, weekly monitoring of the disease incidence is organized in the Vitebsk region. As of November 2, compared to the preceding calendar week, a decrease in the incidence rate of 6.2% has been noted in the region. Children under 18 constitute 63.14% of those who are ill. The intensity level of the epidemiological process is low. At the same time, non-influenza viruses (adenoviruses, RS viruses) are causing the illnesses. No cases of influenza have been registered. -0-

BELTA