Vaccination - when to do?

From January 2026, a new vaccination calendar recognized by European specialists was introduced in Ukraine. Vaccination centers in Kyiv and other cities in Ukraine operate in both private and public specialized healthcare institutions. Information about diseases targeted by vaccinations and specialists engaged in immunization can be found on our clinic's website. The question of where children are vaccinated in Kyiv no longer poses any difficulties.  

Rules for Appointing and Administering Vaccinations to Children in Kyiv 

Vaccination is prescribed exclusively by a doctor who must examine the child. The specialist pays special attention to possible contraindications. Vaccination for children in Ukraine is based on the official vaccination calendar for children. Some recommended vaccinations for children should be administered outside of the mandatory calendar. Vaccination outside of the mandatory calendar includes protection against very serious diseases, such as rotavirus infection, pneumococcal infection, chickenpox, and meningococcal infection.  

Vaccination against these infections is not included in the calendar as mandatory because, unfortunately, the state is currently unable to provide free vaccinations against these infections for all children in the country. This does not make the infections targeted by these vaccinations any less dangerous, nor the vaccine more harmful. In the overwhelming majority of European countries, vaccinations against all the above-listed infections are mandatory and funded by the state. In our country, the issue of adding certain vaccinations (particularly against rotavirus infection, against pneumococcal infection) to the list of mandatory vaccinations was actively discussed before the full-scale invasion, but this activity has since ceased due to circumstances. A mandatory aspect of proper vaccination is the use of quality vaccines for children according to the expiration date and strict adherence to storage and transportation conditions of the material. The medical professional administering the vaccination is obliged to check the packaging labeling to prevent the administration of improper vaccine products. The appointment of children's vaccinations in Ukraine requires special attention from physicians.  

Calendar Dates for Scheduled Vaccinations of Children Under One Year 

Vaccination is prescribed from the day of birth up to any adult age. The vaccination calendar is particularly dense during the first year of a child's life. 

Vaccination and Immunization of Infants Under One Year: 

1. The first vaccine after birth is BCG vaccine. BCG vaccination in Ukraine begins on the third to fifth day of life. This rule is only deviated from in the case of premature infants. 
2. At two months — a particularly critical period in the child's life. During this time, they should receive vaccinations against whooping cough, tetanus, diphtheria, poliomyelitis, haemophilic infection, and hepatitis B. Vaccines against rotavirus infection, pneumococcal infection, and meningococcal infection may also be administered. 
3. At 4 and 6 months, children receive vaccinations with the same combination of vaccines as at 2 months. 
4. At the age of one (12 months), it is time to receive protection against measles, rubella, and mumps - MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella). 

Vaccinations Administered to Children Over One Year 

1. At one and a half years (18 months), it’s time for the first revaccination against 6 infections previously vaccinated against at 2, 4, and 6 months (whooping cough, diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, haemophilic infection, and hepatitis B). 
2. At 4 years, the child receives the second dose against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). 
3. The vaccination at 6 years is for diphtheria, tetanus, and poliomyelitis (revaccination). 
4. At the age of 12-13, girls are vaccinated against the human papillomavirus (HPV). 
5. At 16 years old, it’s time to repeat the administration of vaccines that prevent the development of tetanus and diphtheria. These vaccinations are recommended to be repeated at 26 years old and every ten years thereafter throughout life. 

Contraindications and Special Considerations 

The vaccination procedure can provoke reactions in the form of acute allergic reactions; therefore, children's vaccinations should be performed in medical institutions where doctors can monitor young patients during the administration of the vaccine and respond to any changes in the child's condition immediately after the procedure. 

Unfortunately, not all children can reach a hospital or clinic within the required time frame. In this case, a doctor or nurse can be called to the residence. The established rules for conducting vaccinations at home consist of special sanitary and hygienic requirements and documentation management features. It's important to maintain the necessary interval and not to violate the established timelines between vaccinations. 

The list of diseases for which there are absolute or relative contraindications to vaccination is quite extensive. In every individual case, permission for vaccination must be given by a doctor.  

Main Contraindications for Vaccinations in Children in Kyiv:  

• complications from previously administered vaccinations that have led to severe states and consequences;  
• diseases with pronounced immunodeficiency;  
• allergic diseases that proceed with anaphylactic shock;  
• acute stages of infections with high fever. 

Remember — the children's vaccination calendar is designed to ensure reliable immunity against a range of dangerous and even fatal diseases. Do not neglect the recommended vaccinations for children — vaccinate according to the age schedule on time.