The immunization rate in Ukraine has remained almost the same as since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic: only 85% of children have received three doses of pertussis, diphtheria and tetanus vaccines during the first year of life, and somewhat better coverage with measles, mumps and rubella vaccinations, although these data may not be entirely accurate due to the presence of internally displaced Ukrainians and refugees abroad. This was stated by the chairman of the National Technical Group of Experts on Immunization, Fedir Lapiy, during a telethon on Friday, UNN reports.
Based on the official data we have, it has not changed much since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic or the pre-pandemic period. There are fluctuations, but if you look at the official data, in 2023, only 85% of children in the first year of life were vaccinated against pertussis, diphtheria, and tetanus with three doses, as provided for in the vaccination schedule. The situation with vaccination against measles, mumps and rubella for children aged 1 and 6 is slightly better
However, he noted that these data may not be "entirely accurate," given that there are IDPs and refugees abroad, including those with children.
"Such low figures may be due to the fact that about 5 million people have left Ukraine, mostly children, and children receive vaccinations in Poland, Germany and other countries that have provided asylum for Ukrainians, and this data may not be included in the statistics," the doctor noted.
In order for measles, for example, to be under control, there must be at least 95% of age-appropriate vaccination coverage, he said.