The Medical Procurement of Ukraine (MPU) centrally procured vaccines for children's immunization.
We are referring to two vaccines, the immunization with which is mandatory and free for patients. Namely, these are Antitoxin for the prevention of diphtheria and tetanus with reduced antigen content (ADP-M) and Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Regarding the diphtheria and tetanus vaccine. The MPU upon the Ministry of Health's request has procured over 1 million doses at a cost of nearly 63 million UAH. The vaccine contains purified diphtheria and tetanus toxoids. The product will be used for immunoprophylaxis of children aged seven and older, as well as adults.
The vaccines against diphtheria and tetanus are administered for the first time in childhood. However, immunity against these diseases is not lifelong. Therefore, in adulthood, revaccination is necessary every 10 years.
Regarding the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine. We have procured 520,000 doses at a cost of over 160 million UAH. This is a combined attenuated (weakened) vaccine produced from weakened pathogens. It can be used for vaccinating children from the age of 12 months.
Vaccination against MMR takes place in two stages. The first dose is administered after 12 months, and the second dose is given after 6 years.
"The issue of population immunization is a matter of national security and a state priority in the field of healthcare. Despite the full-scale war, the MOH has managed to ensure uninterrupted availability of vaccines for routine vaccination at the level of each region, allowing newborns to receive all mandatory vaccinations in the maternity hospital, and children and adults to receive them from their family doctors or vaccination centers. This work continues, and the procurement of the first vaccines for the needs of 2024 will ensure routine vaccinations for Ukrainians against vaccine-preventable infections next year," said Ihor Kuzin, Deputy Minister and Chief State Sanitary Doctor of Ukraine.
"The care for the lives and health of children is one of the key focuses of the national healthcare system and the activities of the MPU, in particular. This year, the Medical Procurement of Ukraine for the first time centrally procured vaccines for mass immunoprophylaxis of children. We have successfully managed to acquire the necessary products and ensure children are protected from the risk of interrupted vaccinations. This fact proves that Ukraine has an effective centralized agency, represented by the MPU, that can provide quality procurement of all necessary medicines, medical products, and equipment," says Edem Adamanov, General Manager of the MPU.