Immunity formed in childhood is not a lifelong shield. Over time, protection against infections wanes, and the body requires support. The Ministry of Health of Ukraine urges adults not to ignore revaccination, emphasizing that protection against dangerous infections is necessary throughout life.
According to official data published by the ministry on Facebook, there is a clear vaccination schedule for adults that helps prevent serious diseases. This is reported by RBK-Ukraine citing the Ministry of Health.
Free protection: diphtheria and tetanus
The most important item in the National Calendar of Preventive Vaccinations for adults is revaccination against diphtheria and tetanus. According to the rules, this procedure must be undergone every 10 years, starting from the age of 16.
The main advantage of this measure is its accessibility. The vaccine against diphtheria and tetanus is provided free of charge as part of the state program. It can be obtained from your family doctor.
Seasonal threats: flu and COVID-19
In the context of changing epidemiological threats, specialists recommend renewing protection against the flu annually. The optimal time for vaccination is considered to be the period before the start of the epidemic season.
Vaccination against COVID-19 also remains relevant. The Ministry of Health particularly highlights the necessity of this measure for people in risk groups, for whom the consequences of the infection can be most severe.
Paid vaccines: protection against hepatitis and cancer
There is a number of vaccines that are not included in the national vaccination calendar for adults and are provided on a paid basis. However, doctors strongly recommend considering them to increase the level of safety.
Special attention should be paid to hepatitis B. Persons who were not vaccinated in childhood are recommended to undergo a vaccination course, as the pathogen of this infection can cause severe liver damage.
For those who have not previously been ill, vaccination against hepatitis A may be relevant. In addition, vaccination against the human papillomavirus (HPV) remains critically important. It helps prevent the development of a number of oncological diseases, including cervical cancer, oropharyngeal cancer, and genital cancers.
Experts note that HPV vaccines are advisable to receive at any adult age, as long as a person is sexually active. This allows the body to be protected from new types of the virus it may encounter.
Caring for the future generation
A separate recommendation concerns future parents. The Ministry of Health advises getting vaccinated against whooping cough before the birth of a child. This allows creating an immune barrier and protecting the newborn from a dangerous disease during the period when they are still too young for their own immunization.
How to find out what you need?
To draw up an individual vaccination plan and find out which vaccines you are missing, you need to consult a family doctor. The specialist will help assess the current immune status and give recommendations in accordance with the National Calendar.
Recall that as of January 1, 2026, the updated National Calendar of Preventive Vaccinations came into force in Ukraine. One of the key changes concerned children: the second dose of the combined vaccine against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) will now be given at 4 years old, not at 6.
According to the latest data, trust in vaccination in the country is growing. A survey conducted by UNICEF and the Ministry of Health showed that more than 80% of parents and guardians have a positive attitude towards vaccinations.