Public Health Fakes: In Ukraine, mobile teams are conducting forced vaccinations against influenza and COVID-19. Issue #139

Russian news outlets have spread information alleging that the Ukrainian government enforces mandatory vaccination with products from Western pharmaceutical companies. According to these reports, mobile vaccination units are traveling through cities. The posts add that despite increased vaccination efforts among the local population, cases of various flu strains and COVID-19 are allegedly rising in the country.

What’s the reality?

First, Ukraine does not conduct vaccinations against an individual’s will, including vaccinations against influenza and COVID-19. However, there is a list of mandatory vaccinations, and refusal without a valid reason may lead to certain consequences, such as being unable to attend children’s educational institutions. However, flu and COVID-19 vaccinations are not included in this list and are only recommended.

Second, individuals voluntarily invite mobile vaccination teams to receive their vaccines by contacting the Ministry of Health of Ukraine’s hotline or their family doctor. Mobile teams operate in areas where access to healthcare facilities is limited or unavailable. They also provide services to individuals who are physically unable to travel due to health reasons. Additionally, they vaccinate large groups (over 100 willing participants) and specific professional groups (such as healthcare workers and educators). These teams use only certified vaccines, whose safety and efficacy have been verified.

Meanwhile, the claim that despite vaccination, Ukraine is experiencing an increase in cases of various flu strains and COVID-19 is not accurate. Vaccination does not guarantee 100% protection against illness. However, vaccinated individuals are more likely to experience milder symptoms, have a lower risk of complications, and are less likely to require hospitalization, which increases their chances of survival. Moreover, widespread vaccination helps develop herd immunity, ultimately preventing virus mutations.

On November 7, Chief Sanitary Doctor Ihor Kuzin reported that the COVID-19 vaccination rate remains low, with approximately 8 million Ukrainians still unvaccinated. As of November 10, over 75,000 citizens had been vaccinated against influenza during the current epidemic season.

Flu vaccination is recommended annually before the flu virus starts circulating (September-October). For COVID-19 prevention, a single vaccine dose suffices for most people, while at-risk groups are advised to receive booster doses every 6-12 months.