Every year on October 24, the world observes World Polio Day, highlighting a dangerous disease for which there is no cure. The Ministry of Health of Ukraine, the World Health Organization (WHO), and UNICEF emphasize that vaccination is the only reliable way to prevent this disease. Parents are urged to vaccinate their children on time to protect them from polio.
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Current vaccination situation
Since the beginning of 2024, the coverage level of polio vaccinations among children has not met the WHO recommended targets. According to the Center for Public Health of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, the lowest vaccination rates have been recorded among children aged 14 (46.3%), 6 (52%), and 18 months (56%). Low vaccination rates are observed in Odesa, Lviv, and Ivano-Frankivsk regions. It is important to note that vaccinations are free, and currently, all regions of the country are supplied with vaccines.
The danger of poliomyelitis
Poliomyelitis is a disease caused by the poliovirus that affects the nervous system and can lead to irreversible paralysis and death. This disease is vaccine-preventable, and vaccinations are included in the National Calendar of Preventive Vaccinations.
“Ukraine has overcome the last outbreak of polio, but that does not mean the threat has disappeared. Every child must be vaccinated against poliomyelitis. It is important to check vaccination status and, if necessary, catch up on missed vaccinations,” emphasized Deputy Minister of Health Ihor Kuzin.
Vaccination: What you need to know
In Ukraine, two types of vaccines are used against poliomyelitis: inactivated (IPV), administered via injection, and oral (OPV), given in drops. Every child up to 14 years old should receive six doses of the vaccine. Vaccinations are administered at 2, 4, 6, and 18 months, as well as at 6 and 14 years of age.
“Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent poliomyelitis. We are supplied with high-quality vaccines that have passed WHO prequalification,” noted Jarno Habicht, head of the WHO Office in Ukraine.
What to do if vaccinations are missed
If the vaccination schedule has been disrupted, it is important not to panic. It is essential to catch up on missed vaccinations as soon as possible by consulting a family doctor or pediatrician, who can help create an individualized schedule.
Vaccination against poliomyelitis is a critical protection for children. During the war, UNICEF and the Medical Procurement of Ukraine ensure the supply of vaccines. Only through collective efforts can we safeguard our children’s future and prevent a resurgence of poliomyelitis.
It is worth noting that at the end of 2021, two cases of poliomyelitis were recorded in children from Rivne and Zakarpattia regions. Thanks to the measures taken and additional immunization, in September 2023, the WHO announced the outbreak of poliomyelitis in Ukraine officially concluded.
