Belarus vaccinates 30% of people who are advised to get flu shot

23.10.2020

Some 30% of people who are recommended to get vaccinated for the flu have already received their flu shots, Deputy Healthcare Minister – Chief Sanitary Inspector of the Republic of Belarus Aleksandr Tarasenko told BelTA.

All in all, at least 40% of the population is to be vaccinated. “40% is enough to effectively prevent influenza,” Aleksandr Tarasenko said.

Some 13% of people will be vaccinated using the funds of the central budget; 19% will get their flu shots out of the funds of regional budgets; companies and organizations will cover the vaccination costs for 8% of people.

The recommended vaccination period is from 15 September to 1 December. “Of course, we will try to vaccinate people earlier, since we see a slight increase in the incidence of acute respiratory infections,” the deputy healthcare minister said. He added that the epidemiological situation is under control.

Speaking about the Russian Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine, which is currently being clinically tested in the country, the deputy minister noted that “volunteers have reported no complications so far”.