New wave of COVID-19, immunization of children, and vaccine stockpiles in Ukraine—highlights from Kuzin’s interview

Author

Olga Krotovska

Chief Sanitary Doctor Ihor Kuzin gave an interview to the outlet BBC Ukraine and explained when Ukrainians should expect a new wave of coronavirus, when the vaccination against COVID-19 of small Ukrainian citizens would start, and whether there would be enough vaccines for everyone. publishes the highlights.

When new wave of coronavirus to start

According to Kuzin's forecasts, a new wave of morbidity will cover Ukraine at the end of this month. Its peak should be "in February with a gradual decrease by April". The Chief Sanitary Doctor believes that during this period the Omicron strain will prevail in our country. It is characterized by a milder course of the disease than, for example, Delta, its predecessor.

Kuzin did not give a clear answer to the question of the healthcare system readiness for the new wave. However, he noted that at the moment there were no problems with oxygen supply. The Sanitary Doctor added that by April 2022, each Ukrainian hospital would have its own oxygen station.

Vaccination of children aged from 5

Kuzin stated that the experience of other countries had demonstrated the safety of vaccination against coronavirus in children. He added that in Ukraine, consideration of this issue would begin "around April."

According to the official, the child will be vaccinated only with the consent of the parents. However, he advised to immunize children with cancer, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases, since the course of the disease can be severe.

According to the Ministry of Health, 140,000 people in the age range from 12 to 18 have already been vaccinated against COVID-19 in the country.

Will Ukrainians have enough vaccines

On January 6, the Ministry of Health officially gave permission for revaccination of all adult Ukrainians, without exception. Considering this, and the fact that more than 50% of the population in the country did not receive a single dose, the question arose whether there would be enough vaccinations for everyone in Ukraine.

"There will be enough vaccines. We can state this clearly. Ukraine has contracts for the supply of 25 million doses of Pfizer during 2022 and 6.5 million of CoronaVac. About 10 million doses more should be received as assistance as part of the Covax mechanism," Kuzin said.

Context. Over the past day in Ukraine, COVID-19 was recorded in 5,429 people, of which 306 were children. 219 people died from coronavirus, and 7,761 people recovered.

From January 10 this year, Australia began vaccinating children aged from 5. In the EU, the regulators gave permission on December 13, 2021. American medical institutions began vaccinating children aged 5 to 11 against the coronavirus on November 3, 2021. In October 2021, the decision to vaccinate children over 3 years old was made in China.