By KYIV. Sept 13 (Interfax-Ukraine) – An increase in the incidence of acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI) and coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Ukraine is expected from the beginning of October, Chief Sanitary Doctor and Deputy Minister of Health Ihor Kuzin has said.
“In just a year, Ukraine registers more than 6 million cases of infectious diseases, 98% of them are influenza and ARVI. Coronavirus infection will also be added to these statistics. We expect an increase starting from the 40th week of this year, that is, in essence this is starting from the beginning of October,” he said on the National Telethon on Tuesday.
Kuzin also said that the flu vaccine will remain recommended and will be available to the public on the commercial market from mid-October. It will also be possible to purchase it through the pharmacy chain.
In addition, 60,000 doses of influenza vaccine will be supplied to Ukraine as humanitarian aid, which will be distributed among the regions for health workers and pregnant women.
As Kuzin noted, according to WHO forecasts, in the 2023-2024 epidemic season, no special differences are expected from the previous period; influenza viruses of type A and B will circulate.
“According to preliminary forecasts, this is not expected to be a particularly difficult season,” he said.
Kuzin also emphasized that flu vaccination does not protect against COVID-19 and vice versa.
