MINSK, 28 October (BelTA) – As many as 35.3% of people in Belarus have been vaccinated against influenza, head of the department for hygiene, epidemiology and disease prevention at the Healthcare Ministry Inna Karaban told the media, BelTA has learned.
“As of today, 35.3% of the population has received flu shots. The interest in vaccination is big like never before. People are trying to get vaccinated as soon as possible. There was a very strong demand for paid vaccines. They ran out quickly although we ordered more such vaccines than in the previous seasons,” Inna Karaban said.
About 40% of the population is to be vaccinated this year. “Maybe, the figure will be bigger taking into consideration the demand for vaccination,” she added.
At least 75% of people from high-risk groups are to get vaccines. These are children from six months to three years old, all children older than three years and adults with chronic diseases who are registered with local healthcare authorities, patients with immunodeficiency, people over 65 years old, pregnant women, healthcare providers and pharmacy workers, children and adults in inpatient healthcare facilities, security personnel and critical infrastructure workers.
“Vaccination is also crucial for people in several sectors of work, including education, trade, public catering, transportation, utilities and some others,” Inna Karaban said.
The incidence of acute respiratory infections is currently at a non-epidemic level, although there is an increase in such diseases. According to Inna Karaban, this season is no different from the previous ones. Children account for 54% of the sick.
