Starting January 1, 2026, a revised National Vaccination Calendar comes into effect in Ukraine. The changes concern tuberculosis vaccination - now this vaccination will be conducted within 24 hours after birth, simplifying the process. The schedule for administering BCG vaccine in maternity hospitals has also changed, according to WHO recommendations. This is considered an important step in the fight against tuberculosis in the country.
The update of the calendar allows for BCG vaccination without a prior tuberculin skin test or QuantiFERON test until the child is 7 months old. It is also permitted to administer this vaccine to children simultaneously with others, which will simplify the schedule for preventive vaccinations, especially for infants. If a child does not receive the BCG vaccine in the maternity hospital, they can still receive it up to 18 years old at the state's expense. It is important to note that while this vaccine protects against severe forms of tuberculosis, it does not guarantee complete prevention of the disease.
The update of the National Vaccination Calendar is an important step in improving the preventive healthcare system in Ukraine, based on global experience and scientific research. As a result of these changes, we hope that the effectiveness of vaccinations will increase and the public health status in the country will improve.