SEASONAL DISEASES 2024/2025:
WHY VACCINATION OF CHILDREN AND ADULTS IS IMPORTANT.

Flu is an infectious disease of the respiratory tract, the causative agents of which are viruses of strains A, B and C, which cause severe symptoms and serious consequences.
According to WHO data, influenza viruses of type A and B are active in the 2024/2025 epidemic season.
The flu virus is transmitted by airborne droplets, airborne dust - during talking, coughing, sneezing.
The main symptoms of flu: sudden malaise, headache, aches in muscles and joints, fever above 38°C, sore throat, cough, runny nose, possible nausea and stomach upset.
Among the most serious complications caused by influenza are: hemorrhagic pulmonary edema, severe forms of pneumonia and bronchitis, heart and kidney failure, convulsive syndrome in children, inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), carditis (heart damage), kidney damage, as well as exacerbation of chronic diseases.
The virus is extremely aggressive. Anyone can get sick with it, regardless of gender, social status, age. But it is especially dangerous for children under 6 years of age and adults 65 +, pregnant women, patients with low immunity, adults and children with concomitant and chronic diseases of the lungs, kidneys, heart, oncological diseases, diabetes, etc.
How to prevent infection:
- avoid places with large crowds;
- wash your hands thoroughly and often with soap; use an antiseptic;
- cover your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing with a disposable napkin;
- avoid close contact with people who have symptoms of influenza infection;
- regularly ventilate the room;
- do not touch your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands;
- avoid hugging, shaking hands and kissing.
The best way to prevent flu is to get vaccinated annually. It reduces the risk of getting the flu, minimizes the likelihood of serious complications, hospitalization and death. Annual flu vaccination is recommended, although it is not included in the list of free vaccinations.
Remember that one vaccination protects against the most common and dangerous strains throughout the flu season, it is safe and effective.
The most optimal time for vaccination is on the eve of the flu season, that is, in September. However, it can be done throughout the season.
First of all, we recommend that people who belong to epidemic risk groups be vaccinated. These are doctors, schoolchildren, students, employees of preschool and school institutions, persons involved in the transport and trade sectors, etc.
Inactivated 4-valent influenza vaccines are registered in Ukraine: JC Flu Quadrivalent, Vaxigrip Tetra, Influvac Tetra.
Vaccination against influenza does not protect against COVID-19 and vice versa. However, vaccination against these diseases can be done on the same day. Please note that vaccination against COVID-19 in Ukraine remains free of charge. For vaccination, omicron-specific Comirnaty vaccines from Pfizer are used for adults and children. You can get vaccinated by contacting your family doctor.
Combining different vaccinations on the same day is completely safe - for both adults and children. For example, vaccination against measles, diphtheria, tetanus, polio (IPV or OPV vaccine), chickenpox, pneumococci - if necessary, can be combined and done on the same day with vaccination against influenza or COVID-19.
It should also not be forgotten that in addition to seasonal diseases, there are other vaccine-preventable adult diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, measles, rubella, mumps, hepatitis A and B, chickenpox, pneumococcal infection, meningococcal infection, HPV (human papillomavirus), tick-borne encephalitis, etc.
According to official recommendations of the Ministry of Health, adults need to be revaccinated against diphtheria and tetanus every 10 years. In addition, in the absence of vaccinations against measles, rubella and mumps, as well as against hepatitis B in childhood, they need to be made up for in adulthood. MMR vaccines (measles, rubella, mumps) are free of charge (in state health care institutions) for children and adults from risk groups: doctors, educators, students, military personnel, participants in the Joint Forces Operation. All other adults can purchase the vaccine at their own expense and get vaccinated at a health care institution.
Take care of your health and the health of your loved ones and get vaccinated!
Epidemiologist of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention Iryna Mandebura