111,000 doses of diphtheria and tetanus vaccine for children have been delivered to Ukraine

Ukraine has received 111,100 doses of diphtheria and tetanus vaccine for children, the Center for Public Health of the Ministry of Health reported on Thursday, writes UNN.

Ukraine has received 111,100 doses of DPT vaccine for vaccinating children aged 6 years against diphtheria and tetanus

The procurement and delivery of vaccines to the country, as indicated, is carried out by UNICEF. The distribution of vaccines to the regions is coordinated by the Center for Public Health.

"Currently, vaccines are stored in the national warehouse in compliance with the appropriate temperature conditions. Vaccines are supplied to regional centers for disease control and prevention (CDC) at a temperature of +2℃ to +8℃. The CDC distributes the received vaccines to healthcare facilities," the statement said.

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Who is the DPT vaccine for

DPT vaccine (diphtheria-tetanus toxoid) is used for routine revaccination of children at 6 years of age against diphtheria and tetanus. If a child has missed a scheduled vaccination, it should be done as soon as possible - for this you need to contact a family doctor, therapist, pediatrician or the nearest healthcare facility. All vaccinations under the calendar of preventive vaccinations are provided free of charge.

What are the dangers of diphtheria and tetanus

Diphtheria toxin is one of the most powerful toxins in nature. Once in the blood, it can affect the nerves that control the muscles involved in breathing, leading to paralysis of these muscles and even respiratory arrest. In addition to the nervous system, the toxin can affect the kidneys, cause cardiovascular failure, and cerebral edema.

The causative agent of diphtheria is transmitted through coughing, sneezing, kissing, through contact with surfaces contaminated with the causative agent, household items, as well as through contaminated food and water. 

Tetanus is an infectious disease that manifests as painful convulsions, during which muscle ruptures and bone fractures can occur, possible myocardial infarction, intracranial hemorrhages, coma. The mortality rate from tetanus can reach 80%.

The causative agent of tetanus enters the wound from the soil or during skin damage through injections with thorns, scratches, bites of wild and domestic animals, household injuries, etc.

The only effective protection against these diseases is vaccination.