MINSK, 16 October (BelTA) – Approximately 97% of parents in Belarus have their children vaccinated on schedule, Dmitry Lazar, Deputy Head of the Directorate for Medical Care Provision – Head of the Department of Medical Care for Mothers and Children at the Healthcare Ministry, told BelTA’s Nation Speaks project.
Belarus runs a comprehensive immunization program, with small children currently vaccinated against 13 infectious diseases. “Children under one year are vaccinated against nine infections: viral hepatitis B, tuberculosis, pneumococcal disease, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, Haemophilus influenzae, polio, and influenza,” stated Dmitry Lazar. “At 12 months, vaccinations for measles, mumps, and rubella are added. This year, we have also introduced HPV vaccination for girls.”
When asked about parental refusal of vaccinations, the Healthcare Ministry official underscored the substantial educational outreach undertaken. “Theoretically, refusal is an option, but we engage in discussions with parents on every such occasion, involving psychologists and infectious diseases specialists,” he explained. “As a result, we achieve a 97% vaccination rate among the eligible child population. There are, of course, medical contraindications that necessitate an individual approach, for instance with premature infants. In these cases, the immunization schedule is personalized, but all essential vaccinations are ultimately administered.”
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