From the 1st of January, 2026, immunization for poliomyelitis in Ukraine will be conducted exclusively using an inactivated type of vaccine. The immunization program is being modified, and it will include 5 injections, whilst the booster shot at 14 years of age has been discontinued.
In Ukraine, from January 1, 2026, in accordance with the revised National Immunization Schedule, prophylactic measures against polio will be implemented solely through the introduction of inactivated polio vaccine. This was communicated by UNN citing information from the Ministry of Public Health.
Details
Specialist in pediatric infectious ailments, Ph.D. in medicine, and Leader of the National Expert Technical Group on Immunization, Fedir Lapiy, clarified the specific changes being introduced.
As per his statement, a shift has occurred towards utilizing the inactivated polio vaccine (the “non-active” type), thus ceasing the application of the oral polio vaccine (OPV). Moreover, the immunization plan has undergone alterations. It now comprises 5 doses, administered at the ages of 2, 4, 6, 18 months, and 6 years. The additional dose scheduled for 14 years of age is no longer required.
In the event that your child has, for any reason, skipped any of the polio shots, or hasn’t had any so far, you should get in touch with your physician or pediatrician.
If the schedule for polio immunization has been breached, then – irrespective of the patient’s age – vaccines are given under a 4-dose regimen. The Government covers the cost of this service for individuals up to 18.
– Lapiy mentioned.