Epidemiological well-being has been achieved in the Vitebsk region through the implementation of immunization programmes. For many years, we have had no cases of diphtheria, poliomyelitis, tetanus, pertussis, tuberculosis, hepatitis B, rubella, or mumps. This was discussed at a press conference held as part of Immunization Week, which is annually observed in the European region on the initiative of the World Health Organization.
- The Week included many events to inform the adult population about the necessity of immunization and was very productive, – noted Vladimir Sinkevich, Chief Physician of the Vitebsk Regional Centre for Hygiene, Epidemiology and Public Health. – We explain to people how important vaccination for each individual is for building herd immunity, the crucial role of which was proven by COVID-19. Moreover, in most cases, vaccinated individuals experienced a much milder course of the disease.
Vaccination of young Belarusians begins in the maternity hospital, where infants receive vaccinations against hepatitis B and tuberculosis, and then continues according to the National Vaccination Schedule, which provides protection against 12 infections. These include hepatitis B, tuberculosis, pertussis, tetanus, diphtheria, Haemophilus influenzae type b, poliomyelitis, pneumococcal infection, measles, mumps, rubella, and influenza.
Parents are also actively interested in additional vaccinations, – reported Irina Gribovskaya, paediatrician and head of the Immunoprophylaxis Office at the Vitebsk Regional Children's Clinical Hospital. – Children can be vaccinated on a paid basis against rotavirus infection, meningococcal infection, hepatitis A, and tick-borne encephalitis. We also offer vaccination against the human papillomavirus as a preventive measure against oncological diseases in girls and boys from the age of 9.
Chronic diseases over the last 20 to 30 years are no longer considered contraindications but, on the contrary, are indications for vaccination, emphasized Irina Gribovskaya.
Systematic efforts are underway in the region to provide booster vaccinations for children and adults, which are necessary to combat viral pathogens, participants of the press conference noted. To date, over 73% of the northern region's residents have been fully vaccinated, meaning the population has developed collective immunity to viruses. The first booster vaccination is administered six months after completing the full course of coronavirus vaccination, with subsequent boosters given another six months later. Over 91% of residents vaccinated against COVID-19 have received their first booster, and approximately 59% have received their second.
Healthcare professionals reported several cases of measles identified in the region since the beginning of the year, including imported cases. Nevertheless, the situation regarding this disease in the region remains stable and under control.
An infected person becomes a source of infection for others, so upon the appearance of the first symptoms – high temperature, runny nose, red eyes, cough – medical assistance should be sought immediately, explained Vladimir Sinkevich.
Young Belarusians receive the measles vaccine at the age of 12 months and 6 years as part of the National Preventive Vaccination Schedule, free of charge.
Healthcare professionals also drew attention to the fact that some parents refuse to vaccinate their children, thereby creating a health risk not only for their child but also for those around them.
As noted by Nina Mukhvich, acting Deputy Chief Physician of the Vitebsk Regional Center for Hygiene and Epidemiology, since vaccination provides protection against complications that various diseases can lead to, it is a guarantee of longevity.
Thanks to vaccination, humanity has achieved significant success in combating serious infectious diseases. Smallpox has been eradicated worldwide, paralytic poliomyelitis continues to be registered in only three countries, and the number of cases of other infections has been significantly reduced.
Source: vitebsk-region.gov.by
