What flu vaccines are available in Belarus, and when to expect a significant increase in the incidence of ARI
The incidence of acute respiratory infections in Belarus remains stable and controlled. On October 6, an epidemiologist told reporters.
The incidence of acute respiratory infections in Belarus remains stable and controlled. On October 6, Kirill Ignatov, an epidemiologist, head of the immunoprophylaxis department of the Republican Center for Hygiene, Epidemiology and Public Health, told reporters, the correspondent of the Minsk-Novosti agency reports.
According to the expert, now the circulation of exclusively non-influenza respiratory viruses is recorded in the country: parainfluenza, rhinoviruses, bocaviruses and adenoviruses. The seasonal increase in the incidence of respiratory infections is expected in standard terms for our country: in late January - early February 2027 (with a peak in February). Simultaneous circulation of non-influenza respiratory viruses, coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses is expected during this period.
- In the upcoming epidemic season, the activity of the AH3N2 influenza virus will be reduced, Ignatov said. AH1N1 virus circulation is expected. As for the influenza B virus, it is traditionally connected in late winter or early spring, which can provoke a second wave of rising incidence.
In the season 2026-2027, the strain composition of influenza vaccines was completely updated for all three components in accordance with the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) for the Northern Hemisphere. The updated composition includes strains of AH1N1 (Missouri), AH3N2 (Darwin) and influenza B virus (Tokyo, Victoria Line). The four-component vaccines also include a strain of the Yamagata lineage, although this variant has not been detected in the world since 2020, according to the WHO.
Also, the representative of the Republican Center for Hygiene, Epidemiology and Public Health told who is especially important to get a flu vaccine.
- A mass vaccination campaign has been launched in Belarus since October, Ignatov explained. The main task is to vaccinate at least 75% of the population belonging to risk groups.
These categories of citizens include:
- 1.children aged 6 months to 3 years;
- 2.children from 3 years old and adults with chronic diseases and immunodeficiency states;
- 3.persons aged 65 years or older;
- 4.pregnant women;
- 5.medical and pharmaceutical workers;
- 6.children and adults in institutions with round-the-clock stay;
- 7.employees of state bodies ensuring the security of the state and the life of the population.
The speaker said that residents of Belarus at risk of severe disease free vaccination is carried out by a proven Russian drug Grippol Plus. This vaccine is well known to Belarusians and has confirmed its safety.
- For those who plan to get vaccinated at their own expense, foreign vaccines will be available in medical institutions: quadrivalent Influvak Tetra (Netherlands) and trivalent Vaksigrip Tetra (France), K. Ignatov added.
The specialist warned that vaccination is the most effective measure to prevent severe disease. The vaccine does not guarantee 100% protection from infection, but it does not allow dangerous complications to develop and reduces the risk of infection with other respiratory viruses.
At the same time, to reduce the risk of infection and the spread of respiratory infections, you need to wash your hands with soap more often, observe respiratory etiquette, regularly ventilate rooms and do wet cleaning. In addition, you should be more often in the fresh air, lead a healthy lifestyle (rational nutrition, full sleep, physical activity). It is advisable to avoid contact with people who have signs of a cold, and minimize visits to crowded places. If this is not possible, use protective masks.
