Almost 126,000 deposit accounts opened under Belarus' family capital program
Epidemiological well-being has been achieved in the Vitebsk region through the implementation of immunization programs.
For many years, we have had no cases of diphtheria, polio, 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 effective, – noted Vladimir Sinkevich, Chief Physician of the Vitebsk Regional Center for Hygiene, Epidemiology, and Public Health. – We explain to people how important each person's vaccination is for creating herd immunity, the significant 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 babies receive vaccinations against hepatitis B and tuberculosis, and then continues according to the National Vaccination Schedule, which provides protection against 12 infections. These include viral hepatitis B, tuberculosis, pertussis, tetanus, diphtheria, Haemophilus influenzae type b, polio, pneumococcal infection, measles, mumps, rubella, and influenza.
Parents are also actively interested in additional vaccinations, – reported Irina Gribovskaya, pediatrician and head of the immunoprophylaxis office at the Vitebsk Regional Clinical Children's Hospital. – It is possible to vaccinate a child 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 9 years of age.
Chronic diseases in the last 20-30 years are no longer considered contraindications but, on the contrary, are indications for vaccination, emphasized Irina Gribovskaya.
Systematic work on booster vaccination of children and adults continues in the region, which is necessary to combat viral pathogens, the press conference participants noted. To date, more than 73% of the residents of the northern region have been fully vaccinated, which means that the population has developed herd immunity to viruses. The first booster vaccination is carried out six months after completing the full course of coronavirus vaccination, and the subsequent one – six months later. Over 91% of residents vaccinated against COVID-19 have received the first booster vaccination, and about 59% have received the second.
Healthcare professionals reported several cases of measles detected in the region since the beginning of the year, including imported cases. Nevertheless, the situation regarding this disease in the region remains stable and controlled.
A sick person becomes a source of infection for others, so if the first symptoms appear – high temperature, runny nose, red eyes, cough – you should seek medical help immediately, explained Vladimir Sinkevich.
Young Belarusians receive measles vaccination at the age of 12 months and 6 years as part of the National Calendar of Preventive Vaccinations free of charge.
Healthcare professionals also drew attention to the fact that there are parents who refuse to vaccinate their children, thereby creating a risk to the health not only of their child but also of 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 significantly decreased.