Belarus is seeing a seasonal rise in acute respiratory infection cases. Children account for 68.2% of those infected, the Health Ministry reported.
The ministry attributed the increase to seasonal factors and the start of the school year. The acute respiratory infection season usually lasts from October to April. Currently, non-influenza pathogens are predominant. Among them, the Health Ministry highlighted rhinovirus at 47.3%, bocavirus at 20% and parainfluenza viruses at 14.5%.
Belarus plans to begin mass vaccination against influenza and COVID-19 in October. The first batch of the Russian “Grippol Plus” vaccine, purchased centrally for patients in high-risk groups, has passed laboratory quality control and is being distributed to healthcare organizations.
The quadrivalent influenza vaccines “Influvac Tetra” and “VaxigripTetra” will be available at patients’ own expense. For COVID-19 vaccination, the Health Ministry named the Russian “Konvasel” vaccine. According to the ministry, influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations can be administered on the same day.
The Health Ministry recommends planning vaccination for October and notifying the local clinic in advance of the intention to get vaccinated.