“All three components are new”: Belarus updated the composition of the flu vaccine

According to the head of the laboratory of influenza and influenza-like diseases of the Research Institute of Hygiene, Toxicology, Epidemiology, Virology and Microbiology of the Republican Center for Hygiene, Epidemiology and Public Health Natalia Shmeleva, in the current epidemic season, the strain composition of influenza vaccines has been updated completely - all three components have been changed. This is done in accordance with the recommendations of the World Health Organization, BelTA reports.

The flu virus has changed: experts warn of new strains

This year, the strain composition of the influenza virus has been completely updated - all three of its components have changed. This happens infrequently and indicates the drift changes of the virus: it is already different from what circulated last season.

Head of the laboratory Natalia Shmeleva urged everyone who cares about their health to get vaccinated. According to her, the vaccine will help protect against complications of influenza and at the same time protect those who for various reasons, including due to contraindications, can not get vaccinated. Separately, the expert noted the benefits of vaccination for pregnant women: thus women provide immunity to their unborn child.

When to wait for the flu peak and what is now circulating in Belarus

Experts predict the peak of influenza activity in Belarus in late January – February, although the beginning of the circulation of the virus may come earlier. Last year, the surge occurred at the end of November – December.

Now the incidence of acute respiratory infections is growing in the country - this is due to the beginning of the school season. At the same time, as noted by Natalia Shmeleva, “there is a tendency to increase respiratory morbidity, but now it is characterized as low.”.

In circulation now predominantly neflu pathogens SARS. Rhinoviruses dominate – their prevalence annually gives an increase in the incidence in September. In addition, adenoviruses, metapneumoviruses, parainfluenza viruses and other classical respiratory viruses are registered.

Head of the Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Prevention of the Ministry of Health Inna Karaban explained that September is an inter-epidemic period, so it is not characterized by a sharp increase in the incidence, sufficient to declare an epidemic of SARS. According to observations over the years, this situation did not occur this month.

Coronavirus situation and vaccination recommendations

The coronavirus continues to circulate in the country, but so far only sporadic cases have been recorded. In the summer, the virus was practically not detected, Inna Karaban said.

However, it is important to be vaccinated for those who have the disease can be severe - primarily people over 60 years old and adults with immunosuppression. The expert stressed that the coronavirus vaccine can be given on the same day as the flu vaccine.

Deputy Chief Medical Officer of the City Clinical Infectious Disease Hospital Svyatoslav Velgin confirmed that there were almost no cases of COVID-19 in the summer, but now patients with severe disease are reappearing. Elderly people and patients with cancer are at risk: against the background of immunodeficiency, respiratory infections, including COVID-19, are especially difficult for them. It is these residents of Belarus that should especially think about vaccination.

Read also:

1. 1.How to protect children during SARS: comments of doctors and epidemiologists
2. 2.Three viruses at once: what you need to know Belarusians in the epidemic season 2026-2027, said doctors
3. 3.The doctor explained whether to vaccinate boys against HPV

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