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The Ministry of Health of Ukraine expects that three strains of influenza will circulate in the epidemic season 2021/2022, as in the past. According to the forecast, the following ovariants will be recorded in the country: B / Washington, H1N1, and H3N2.
Chief State Sanitary Doctor Ihor Kuzin is convinced that no new strains will be recorded. Also, the Ministry of Health does not expect a more severe course of the disease in the population.
Considering these forecasts, the Ukrainian side began negotiations with pharmaceutical companies to increase the supply of influenza vaccines. In particular, this refers to almost 30,000 doses for medical personnel.
"We expect that we will be able to vaccinate healthcare workers, at least those who work in "covid" hospitals, against influenza free of charge through humanitarian aid," Kuzin noted.
The Ministry of Health expects to provide pharmacies in the country with a large number of vaccines as well. So far this refers to about 1 million doses, but the final figure will be known later.
The Chief Sanitary Doctor said that in the first half of 2022, a flu vaccine from a local manufacturer will enter the Ukrainian market.
"It will be a tri- or quadrivalent vaccine in mono-dose syringes. These will be "in bulk" products (that is, Ukraine will carry out pre-packing of the active substance, packagingб and labeling), but at the same time we will have our own domestic manufacturer able to provide the country with the required amount of vaccines. And we will not have to look for it in the European markets," Kuzin stated.
Context. Last year, the first signs of the seasonal flu spread were recorded in early December.
Let us remind, earlier this month it became known about the intentions of the Ministry of Health to transfer all regions of Ukraine to the "yellow" zone. However, a little later, the Ministry decided to postpone this transition, despite the fact that there are grounds for enhancing the quarantine.
Ukraine can make the vaccination against coronavirus mandatory. However, this will depend on what decisions the Chief Sanitary Doctor of Ukraine Ihor Kuzin will make.