Why is it necessary to get vaccinated?

Vaccination is a simple, safe and effective way to protect yourself from dangerous diseases. It prevents the development of complications that can lead to serious consequences – loss of health or even death.

History shows that diseases that are prevented by vaccines today used to cause epidemics. For example, in the early twentieth century, measles and whooping cough were the causes of high infant mortality. Thanks to vaccination, these risks have been significantly reduced.

Why do we rarely see people with these infections?

The effectiveness of vaccination has provided herd immunity, which limits the spread of pathogens. However, if vaccination levels fall, outbreaks can return. This has already been observed in many countries.

Vaccines available in Ukraine (free under the national immunization schedule)

According to the National Immunization Schedule of Ukraine, vaccinations are provided free of charge against:

• tuberculosis (BCG);
• hepatitis B;
• diphtheria;
• tetanus;
• pertussis (whooping cough);
• poliomyelitis;
• Hib infection;
• measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR);
• human papillomavirus (HPV) — from 2026, provided free of charge for girls aged 12–13.

Vaccinations included in the national schedule are available free of charge at healthcare facilities for the relevant age groups.

Recommended vaccines

In addition to the mandatory ones, there are recommended vaccines that protect against:

• rotavirus infection;
• pneumococcal infection;
• meningococcal infection;
• chickenpox (varicella);
• hepatitis A;
• influenza.

Recommended vaccines are not covered by the state budget, but they provide important protection against serious diseases.

Vaccination for different population groups

Adults

The state provides free vaccinations against tetanus, diphtheria and COVID-19. Revaccination against tetanus and diphtheria is required every 10 years. You should also be vaccinated against hepatitis B (especially in times of war) and chickenpox (if you haven’t had chickenpox).

Pregnant women

Vaccination of pregnant women is aimed at protecting the mother, the child in the womb and the infant (until the time of their own vaccination). Priority vaccinations:

• Rubella (at the stage of pregnancy planning, if the woman is not vaccinated and hasn’t had rubella);
• against influenza;
• against COVID-19;
• pertussis, diphtheria and tetanus (after the 16th week of pregnancy).

Military personnel

Should be vaccinated against:

• Diphtheria and tetanus (in war conditions, the risk of injury is very high, any gunshot wound is a potential threat of infection);
• against hepatitis B (military personnel provide assistance to their comrades-in-arms and have contact with other people’s biological fluids, including blood, which may contain the virus);
• against influenza;
• against COVID-19;
• against rabies;

Important: the number of wild animals has increased due to the war, especially in the frontline areas. The greatest danger is posed by foxes, which can run into dugouts and across fields. 

• Vaccination against specific infections in other countries (during business trips, for example, on military training).

Public and paid vaccines. Is there a difference?

All vaccines available on the National Vaccination Schedule are subject to thorough clinical trials and approval by the World Health Organization. They are safe and effective. 

Most state and paid vaccines are similar or even identical. The government and paid whooping cough vaccines differ slightly in the type of infectious agent. The paid one is less likely to cause adverse reactions, such as fever. However, the effectiveness of both types of vaccines is high.

Some state-issued vaccines are made in India, and this often causes people to have false doubts about the safety and quality of vaccination. But this is a myth. The Indian manufacturer is one of the most powerful in the world and has the approval of the WHO.

Is it possible to get sick after vaccination?

Yes, it’s possible to get sick after vaccination, but it depends on the type of vaccine. Some vaccines provide protection against infection and disease, while others reduce the likelihood of severe illness. For example, in 2 to 5% of people, the immune system may not develop sufficient protection after the first or second dose of a vaccine. However, due to the high vaccination level, a collective immunity is created that protects even people whose vaccination was less effective.

Do I need to be vaccinated against influenza?

Influenza is a serious illness that can lead to severe complications, especially in people at risk: the elderly, pregnant women, children and people with chronic diseases. The influenza vaccine reduces the risk of severe illness and protects against complications such as pneumonia. An annual flu vaccination is recommended for everyone, especially for high-risk groups.

When should I postpone vaccination?

Contraindications to vaccination include:

• severe allergic reaction to the previous dose of the vaccine;
• fever above 38°C;
• severe immunodeficiency (for live vaccines);
• Pregnancy (for live vaccines).

*Before the vaccination is applied, the healthcare worker conducts an examination and questionnaire to identify possible contraindications to vaccination in time, so there is no need to worry. If you have any doubts, voice them to your doctor. 

Can I have several vaccines at the same time?

Yes, it is safe and effective. The immune system can easily cope with several vaccines at the same time. However, you should consult your doctor.

How to catch up on missed vaccinations?

If you or your child hasn’t received a vaccination on time, see your doctor. He or she will draw up an individual vaccination schedule.

Vaccination is an investment in the health of your family and society as a whole. Don’t delay vaccination – protect yourself and your loved ones.

Where can you get vaccinated?
The easiest way is to contact your family doctor or pediatrician, or visit a vaccination point at the nearest healthcare facility. Information about vaccination points and their opening hours is published by the Ministry of Health.

What reactions after vaccination are normal?
The most common reactions include pain or redness at the injection site, mild fatigue, and a short-term rise in body temperature.

When should you seek medical help immediately?
If signs of a severe allergic reaction appear — difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or lips, widespread rash, or sudden weakness — seek medical help immediately.

Can you get vaccinated while breastfeeding?
In most cases, yes. However, the best decision depends on the specific vaccine and your health condition — consult your doctor.

Can you get vaccinated if you have a chronic disease or allergies?
Vaccination is often especially important for people with chronic diseases. However, if you have a history of severe allergic reactions, be sure to inform your doctor before vaccination.

Prepared on the recommendations of Fedir Lapiy, Associate Professor of the Department of Paediatrics, Immunology, Infectious and Rare Diseases at the International European University, Head of the National Technical Group of Experts on Immunoprophylaxis.   

Types of limb injuries:

• Traumatic amputation — complete or partial separation of a limb due to injury.
• Dislocation — displacement of the joint surfaces of bones relative to each other.
• Closed and open fractures — a break in the bone.
• Sprain — injury to ligaments or muscles without tearing.
• Ligament or tendon rupture — partial or complete damage to ligament or tendon fibers.

Signs and symptoms of limb injuries

Limb injuries can be very painful. Sometimes the damage is immediately obvious — for example, the ends of a broken bone may be visible through the skin. In the case of a dislocation, an unusual protrusion, indentation, or bump may appear where the bone has shifted.

In other cases, the signs may be less obvious — such as swelling or bruising. Usually, the injured person tries not to use the injured part of the body because it causes pain.

Sometimes an injury is so severe that it is immediately clear that emergency medical assistance should be called (103 or 112). However, not all limb injuries require emergency care.

Call emergency medical services if:

• the ends of a broken bone are protruding through the skin;
• the injured limb appears twisted, bent, or deformed;
• there is significant swelling or severe bruising;
• the injured person heard or felt a “pop” or “crack” at the moment of injury;
• grinding or rubbing (crepitus) is heard or felt when the injured area moves;
• the person cannot move or use the injured part of the body;
• the injured area feels cold or numb;
• the injury involves the head, neck, or spine;
• the injured person has difficulty breathing;
• the cause of injury (for example, a fall from height or a vehicle collision) suggests that serious injuries may be present;
• it is not safe or practical to move the injured person to a vehicle for transport to a medical facility.

First aid for limb injuries: 

Basic first aid steps for limb injuries:

• stop bleeding (if present);
• ensure rest;
• apply cold;
• immobilize the injured limb (splinting).

If the injury is an open fracture: 

• Cut the clothing and examine the wound.
• If there is bleeding, stop it by applying a pressure dressing or tourniquet.
• Once the bleeding is controlled, cover the wound with a sterile, clean dressing.
• Help the injured person assume the most comfortable position with the least pain.
• If you have appropriate training, immobilize the injured limb. If not, do not move it.
• Cover the injured person with a thermal blanket or regular blanket.
• Continuously monitor the injured person until medical help arrives.
• If the person’s condition worsens before emergency services arrive, call 103 again.

If the injury is a closed fracture: 

• Help the injured person assume the most comfortable position.
• If you have proper training, immobilize the injured limb; otherwise, do not move it.
• Cover the injured person with a thermal blanket or blanket.
• Monitor the injured person until medical help arrives.
• If the condition worsens, call 103 again.

While waiting for emergency medical services

If you have called 103 or 112 and are waiting for medical personnel:

• help the injured person remain calm and still;
• do not move or straighten the injured body part;
• if the person can tolerate it, apply a cold compress wrapped in a thin, dry towel to reduce swelling and pain.

The RICE method

The RICE method summarizes the key components of first aid:

R (Rest) — limit movement and use of the injured body part.

I (Immobilize) — stabilize the injured area with an elastic bandage or splint to restrict movement.

C (Cold) — apply a cold compress wrapped in a towel for no more than 20 minutes, then take a 20-minute break before applying again.

E (Elevate) — raise the injured limb to reduce swelling, but do not do this if it causes pain.

Splinting (immobilizing) an injured limb

Splinting is a method used to limit movement of an injured bone or joint. It helps reduce pain and prevent further damage.

If emergency medical services have been called and you are waiting for their arrival, applying a splint is not necessary — simply keep the injured limb still in a comfortable position.

If the injured person must be transported to hospital independently, the limb should be immobilized with a splint.

Types of splints

• Commercial splints — available in pharmacies or medical stores (for example, SAM Splint).
• Improvised soft splints — made from blankets, towels, or pillows.
• Rigid splints — made from a rolled magazine, board, or cardboard.
• Anatomical splints — using an uninjured body part to support the injured one (for example, taping an injured finger to the adjacent finger).

General rules for applying a splint: 

• Immobilize the injured area in the position in which it was found.
• The splint should extend above and below the injury.
• If a joint is injured, the splint should immobilize the bones above and below the joint.
• If a bone is injured, the splint should immobilize the joints above and below the fracture (at least two joints).
• Check sensation, temperature, and skin color below the injury before and after applying the splint to ensure it is not too tight. Fingers should feel warm and nails should remain pink.
• If the injured person reports numbness, loosen the bandage.
• Do not place the splint on the side where the broken bone is protruding.
• Apply splints over clothing and footwear — only cut these away if necessary.

Illustrations showing how to properly apply splints to different parts of the body.

Prepared based on information from FAST, the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, and the Red Cross.