Vaccination against influenza has begun in Lepel district!

Despite advances in medicine and the efforts of doctors, people still die from influenza and its complications worldwide every year. The only effective way to prevent influenza is vaccination.

Despite advances in medicine and the efforts of doctors, people still die from influenza and its complications worldwide every year. The only effective way to prevent influenza is vaccination.

As reported by Oksana Klavovich, Head of the Polyclinic of the Healthcare Institution "Lepel Central District Hospital" (UZ "Lepel CRB"), the institution has received an inactivated "Vaccine for influenza prevention". It is effective, safe, and well-tolerated. Vaccination with this vaccine can be obtained free of charge, based on medical indications, at the polyclinic of UZ "Lepel CRB".

For the adult population, vaccination is available in office No. 11 (on the 2nd floor) on weekdays from 9:00 to 13:00, after examination and conclusion by the physician assistant, in office No. 28 (on the 2nd floor), as well as in the Ambulatory and Polyclinic Departments (AVOP) and Rural Health Posts (FAP). For the pediatric population, vaccination is available in office No. 31 of the children's consultation on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 to 13:00, after examination by a pediatrician. Influenza vaccination can also be administered concurrently with COVID-19 vaccinations.

-- Oksana Semenovna, why is it necessary to get vaccinated against influenza every year?

-- This is primarily due to the high variability of the influenza virus. That is why, annually, according to WHO forecasts, new vaccines are developed that will be effective against the current influenza virus strains. Antibodies from previous vaccinations remain in the body, but they are ineffective against new influenza virus strains.

The protective effect after vaccination typically develops within 8-12 days and lasts up to 12 months. Therefore, vaccinations are recommended annually during the pre-season period of increased influenza virus activity (usually in the autumn).

-- Who must undergo mandatory immunization?

-- Mandatory influenza immunization, according to the national calendar of preventive vaccinations, is required for individuals belonging to the high-risk category for influenza and adverse complications. This includes children aged 6 months to 3 years, children aged 3 years and older, and adults with chronic diseases, individuals with immunosuppression, individuals over 65 years of age, pregnant women, workers in the domestic services sector, workers in educational institutions, workers in trade and public catering, workers in transport organizations.

individuals who have been in contact with a patient with chronic pathology and immunosuppression, individuals who have been in contact with children under 6 months of age, and others.

Interview by Natalia Khrapovitskaya. Newspaper "Lepelsky Krai"