«Don’t wait until school starts»: Mykolaiv urges parents to vaccinate their children against measles according to the new schedule

There is a sufficient supply of measles and rubella vaccines in Mykolaiv’s outpatient clinics. Photo: ON Clinic

Mykolaiv has changed its approach to revaccinating children against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR). From now on, it is recommended that the second dose be administered at the age of 4 to build up the child’s immunity before they start school.

This was announced during a briefing by Iryna Shamrai, head of the city’s health department.

According to the official, the second dose of the vaccine used to be given to children at the age of six, but the dates have shifted in line with the new vaccination schedule.

«The changes are due to the fact that a new vaccination schedule, approved in Ukraine, came into effect on 1 January. The second dose is administered to our young patients at the age of four. This provides individual protection for the child and herd immunity even before they start school and join Year 1,» explained Iryna Shamrai.

Vaccination is currently underway in the city for children aged 4, 5 and 6 who, for various reasons, have not yet received their second dose of the DTP vaccine. The head of the department assured that there is no shortage of vaccines in the city — the vaccines are available in all districts of Mykolaiv.

«The vaccine is available everywhere. This is a free service guaranteed by the state. Contact your family doctor to protect your children from disease outbreaks.»

HPV vaccination is mandatory according to the national immunisation schedule and helps prevent serious complications from viral diseases.