This year, the seasonal increase in the incidence of acute respiratory infections will be combined.
This was reported at a briefing in the Gomel Regional Executive Committee by epidemiologist, head of the epidemiology department of the Gomel Regional Center for Hygiene, Epidemiology and Public Health Inna Salazhkova.
Her statement is cited by BELTA .
As the epidemiologist explained, the seasonal increase in the incidence of acute respiratory infections this year will be combined.
That is, there will be flu, acute respiratory infections and COVID, ” the specialist explained.
She reminded that the most effective method of protection today is vaccination.
In the Gomel region, flu vaccination will begin around October 10.
Flu vaccinations are available both free and for a fee. Free vaccinations are available for citizens registered with a dispensary and for high-risk groups (retail and housing and communal services workers, police officers, schoolchildren, teachers, and health workers).
The epidemiologist also spoke about changes in the flu vaccine. The World Health Organization makes changes every year.
According to Salazhkova, this year's vaccine contains slightly modified influenza A (H3N2), pandemic influenza A (H1N1), and completely modified influenza B (Victoria).
The epidemiologist added that the Gomel region is expecting the delivery of the new Sputnik Light vaccine with a new strain of omicron.