Kyiv’s 2025-2026 Epidemic Season: A Mild Outlook
The 2025-2026 epidemic season in Kyiv passed with low intensity. The illness rate did not surpass the established threshold and was 10.2% lower compared to the previous season. From week 40 of 2025 to week 20 of 2026, a total of 329,233 people in Kyiv contracted influenza or acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI), representing 11.2% of the city’s population. Among those affected, 183,130 were children under 17 years old.
Healthcare facilities admitted 7,033 patients with influenza or ARVI, including 4,638 children. Meanwhile, 1,821 people contracted COVID-19, of whom 193 were children under 17. Of the COVID-19 cases, 512 were hospitalized, including 56 children. The intensive care unit treated 67 adults. Overall, there were 53 recorded deaths: 32 from COVID-19 complications and 21 from flu complications.
Virus Circulation and Vaccination Efforts
This season saw various viruses circulating, including:
- Influenza A (unsubtyped)
- Seasonal influenza A (H3)
- A(H1)pdm09
- Adenovirus
- Bocavirus
- Parainfluenza
- Metapneumovirus
- RS virus
- Rhinovirus
- Seasonal coronavirus OC43
- SARS-CoV-2
A notable aspect of the season was the early circulation of influenza A virus. At the same time, Ukraine faced a shortage of flu vaccines, driven by reduced demand and manufacturers shifting to a new vaccine type.
Starting January 1, 2026, newborns in Ukraine will receive the BCG vaccination 24 hours after birth, instead of the previous 3-5 day window. This change aligns with WHO recommendations. The Ministry of Health emphasizes that
“vaccination remains the most reliable protection against severe cases of COVID-19 and influenza.”
The drop in influenza and ARVI cases in Kyiv may indicate the effectiveness of preventive measures and public vaccination. However, the shortage of flu vaccines and the adjustment to the BCG vaccination schedule could affect overall public health and readiness for potential future outbreaks. It is crucial to monitor the epidemiological situation, especially given the variety of circulating viruses and complications linked to COVID-19 and influenza.