The Minister of Health heard a report on the coverage of preventive vaccinations for 2022

At the staff meeting of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, the report of Deputy Minister of Health, Chief State Sanitary Doctor of Ukraine Ihor Kuzin on the coverage of preventive vaccinations for 2022 was heard.

According to the results of 2022, the level of vaccination coverage in Ukraine remains below the recommended by the World Health Organization.

A full-scale invasion of russia creates favorable conditions for the spread of infectious diseases. Military operations have caused the destruction of medical infrastructure and made it difficult for people to access medical services, in particular vaccination. In addition, the war leads to large crowds of people in shelters, bomb shelters, and places of stay for internally displaced persons.

In 2022, one-year-olds are covered by the MMR vaccine at the level of 74.1%, diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus vaccine — by 72.9%, the hepatitis B vaccine — by 62.4%, the tuberculosis vaccine — by 71%, the polio vaccine - by 68.9%, and the hemophilic infection vaccine - by 69.8%. 

At the same time, compared to 2021, the average drop in vaccine coverage for children aged 1 year is only 10%. This suggests that the vaccine campaign has proven its worth and effectiveness even in extreme war conditions and has shown some positive results, but requires more attention and support. Special attention should be paid to the territories affected by the war and the de-occupied territories.

If we compare the level of vaccination coverage in January 2023 with the same period in 2022, we will see an increase in almost all vaccines by an average of 1.5% of the total vaccination plan.

The remaining vaccines that were received in 2022 and the guaranteed receipt of vaccines in 2023 will allow not to interrupt routine vaccination and provide the necessary coverage of the needs of Ukrainians in mandatory vaccinations. A balance will also be struck between donor supplies of vaccines and government-funded supplies for mandatory vaccinations in 2023 and 2024. Preparations for the purchase of vaccines for 2024 have already begun.

To solve the challenges facing the healthcare system of Ukraine, the following was done:

• The work plan and 11 priorities in the field of immunization for 2023 were defined and approved by a protocol at the vaccination headquarters, and coordination and monitoring of the implementation of the provisions of the work plan was ensured.
• An assessment of the readiness of the Center for disease control and Prevention for immunization management was carried out from 01.04.2023 in terms of receiving, storing and distributing vaccines and lethality. Amendments to the resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine #298 have been prepared and approved by the Ministry of Health. The project is currently undergoing additional consultations with the Ministry of Finance. 
• Uninterrupted operation of vaccination points and vaccination centers is organized, taking into account the security situation, in the absence and/or interruptions in power supply and access to the Internet, by connecting them to autonomous power sources, and an algorithm of actions to comply with the requirements of the "cold chain" during power outages has been developed and implemented.
• The Ministry of Health has prepared and agreed on the strategy for immunoprophylaxis – 2030 with a three-year operational plan, as well as regulatory legal acts regulating vaccinations by pharmacists.