A shipment of vaccines for population immunization against diphtheria and tetanus has arrived in Ukraine.
The Medical Procurement of Ukraine (MPU) purchased them in 2023 by order of the Ministry of Health in a quantity of one million doses for 64 million UAH.
These vaccines and their administration are mandatory and free for patients, targeting diphtheria/tetanus with reduced antigen content (DT-AP).
Specifically, the first batch comprising one million doses has already arrived at the MPU warehouse, while the second batch consisting of over eighteen thousand doses is expected shortly.
The vaccine contains purified tetanus and diphtheria toxoids with a reduced dose of the diphtheria component. This immunobiological product is used for the immunoprophylaxis of children aged 16 and older, as well as adults.
"Diphtheria and tetanus can have serious health consequences, especially in times of war when access to medical care may be difficult or temporarily restricted. Additionally, adults require revaccination against diphtheria every 10 years starting from the age of 16. Despite the challenges of war, the Ministry of Health ensured the uninterrupted availability of vaccines for routine vaccination at the regional level last year, and this work continues. The delivered DT-AP vaccine will be distributed to healthcare facilities in the regions for routine immunizations. That is why everyone needs to check their vaccination status and that of their children, and in case of relocation or missed vaccinations, to contact the nearest clinic to adjust the vaccination schedule," said Ihor Kuzin, Deputy Minister and Chief State Sanitary Doctor of Ukraine.
"Vaccination saves millions of lives worldwide every year. Therefore, the only way to protect oneself from such dreadful infectious diseases as, for example, diphtheria and tetanus is vaccination for children and revaccination for adults. Last year, for the first time in the history of the existence of the MPU, we centrally procured vaccines against these diseases, as it is not only our key priority – preserving the lives and health of Ukrainians but also a matter of national security," said Edem Adamanov, General Manager of the MPU.
All vaccines according to the National Vaccination Calendar in Ukraine are free for children and adults. Even if a child misses vaccinations according to the schedule, they can be administered later free of charge.