In the Vitebsk region, the situation with vaccine-preventable infections remains stable

April 20, Vitebsk / Olga Bogacheva - BELTA /. The situation with vaccine-preventable infections in the Vitebsk region remains stable, as reported to BELTA by Vladimir Sinkevich, Chief Physician of the Vitebsk Regional Center for Hygiene, Epidemiology and Public Health. According to him, the active implementation of immunization programs and timely correction of immunization tactics in the Vitebsk region have made it possible to maintain epidemiological well-being in the group of vaccine-preventable infections, including diphtheria, polio, tetanus, pertussis, tuberculosis, hepatitis B, measles, rubella, and mumps. For example, the region has not registered diphtheria cases since 2007, tetanus since 2005, congenital rubella infection since 1997, and polio since 1963. Cases of measles, pertussis, rubella, and epidemic parotitis are registered as isolated sporadic cases. A decrease in hepatitis B incidence is also noted. This year, the Ministry of Health of Belarus, due to the unfavorable situation with measles in the European region, has decided on additional immunization of individuals aged 20-29 who are unvaccinated, vaccinated once, or have no information about previous preventive vaccinations. As Vladimir Sinkevich noted, in the Vitebsk region, over 10,000 residents in this age group will be vaccinated for this purpose. From April 21 to 27, events will be held in Belarus as part of European Immunization Week. Its goal is to raise public awareness about the need for protection against infectious diseases, the benefits of vaccination, and the right of every person to be protected from dangerous infectious diseases preventable by immunization. The plan for European Immunization Week in the Vitebsk region includes press conferences, round tables, and seminars. In healthcare facilities, all interested individuals will be able to receive consultations from pediatricians, neurologists, allergists, epidemiologists, and immunologists, or ask questions during telephone hotlines. Themed lectures and discussions, class hours, health lessons, surveys, drawing contests, and wall newspaper design will be held in schools during these days. -0-