Simplified COVID-19 vaccination guidelines: Key updates in Ukraine

Ukraine has revised its internal COVID-19 vaccination protocols. 

Ihor Kuzin, Deputy Minister of Health and Chief State Sanitary Doctor of Ukraine, made this statement during a briefing held at the Media Center Ukraine. 

“The Ministry of Health has incorporated new guidance from the National Technical Group of Experts on Immunization. Following the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO), Ukraine has updated its vaccination guidelines. Now, a healthy individual without underlying conditions will need only a single initial vaccination. This primary dose will be sufficient, eliminating the need for additional booster shots,” Kuzin stated.

For individuals considered at risk, annual revaccination with one dose is required. 

“Risk groups include pregnant women, the elderly, individuals with chronic diseases, and those with compromised immune systems. These individuals should receive an annual revaccination with a single dose. Essentially, this means one dose for the initial vaccination and one for the annual revaccination,” Kuzin explained.

Additionally, healthcare professionals, educators, and service workers who face occupational exposure are also required to get revaccinated annually with one dose.

Fedir Lapii, Head of the National Technical Group of Experts on Immunization, immunologist, further clarified that for those who have never been vaccinated, a single dose of the mRNA vaccine—adapted for the Omicron variant—is recommended.

He also emphasized that vaccination remains voluntary for individuals under 60 who do not have chronic illnesses. 

“According to WHO recommendations, people under 60, due to their hybrid immunity, do not need booster shots or revaccination, as they are sufficiently protected against severe disease progression,” Lapii noted.

Read more: https://mediacenter.org.ua/news