Ukraine urges vaccination as flu season approaches

A Health Ministry official on Wednesday urged Ukrainians to be vaccinated ahead of the start of influenza season in November. "Vaccination against flu is the single most effective method of avoiding morbidity. It is currently not included in the list of required vaccinations in Ukraine, but it is international practice," Deputy Health Minister Alexander Tolstanov told a briefing. Influenza activity in Ukraine will peak in early November, Tolstanov said, adding that the country was ready to fight it. As of mid September, there were about 2.7 million doses of vaccine in the country's pharmacies, enough to vaccinate 6 percent of Ukrainians, he said. According to the ministry, only 1 percent of Ukrainians were given a flu shot last year, while around 5 percent fell sick during the cold season from November to May.