An analysis of COVID-19 vaccination campaign in Ukraine

Abstract

Background The Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is still an important problem of concern in Ukraine. The rapid deployment of the vaccination program is a key event for the formation of herd immunity and helps to prevent negative outcomes, overloading the public health system. Methods The object of the retrospective-archival study was a depersonalized database of open panels on the management of the COVID-19 situation from the Ministry of Health of Ukraine. Results The total number of COVID-19 cases in Ukraine as of 25 December 2022 amounted to 5 314 388 individuals (12.83% of the population), and COVID-19-related deaths reached 110 029 individuals (0.26% of the population). The overall number of COVID-19 vaccinated persons in Ukraine as of 16 January 2022, with one dose was 36 198 per 100 000 persons (36% of the population), and with two doses, it was 34 703 per 100 000 persons (35% of the population). It was shown a decrease in the number of COVID-19 vaccinated persons among men and persons over the age of 70. In the dynamics of COVID-19 vaccination with one and two doses, an increase in the number of persons vaccinated with Pfizer/BioNTech and CoronaVac was noted. Conclusions Despite the significant increase in the morbidity and mortality rates of COVID-19, the coverage of vaccination among the population remained insufficient in Ukraine. The effective COVID-19 vaccination strategy should include appropriate management and ensuring the public health system capacity, implementation of information technologies to address logistics issues, and clear communication strategies to maintain public trust.