From January 1, 2026, the updated Calendar of Preventive Vaccinations will come into force in Ukraine, which the Ministry of Health has expanded and adapted to modern international standards. The new rules provide for mandatory vaccination of children against eleven infectious diseases. The Ministry of Health emphasizes: the changes are aimed at strengthening the protection of the child population from severe forms of illnesses and complications, as well as reducing the number of visits to the doctor through the use of combined vaccines.
One of the key innovations was a free one-time vaccination against the human papillomavirus for girls aged 12–13. The state purchased a modern nine-valent vaccine, which provides a broad spectrum of protection. The Ministry of Health emphasizes that this is a step towards overcoming cervical cancer, which can be avoided through timely vaccination.
The hepatitis B vaccination schedule has also been changed - now it will be carried out at 2, 4, 6 and 18 months. This will allow for a wider use of combination drugs, reducing the number of injections. The measles, mumps and rubella vaccination schedule has also been updated: vaccination will be carried out at the age of one and four years, which should provide earlier and more lasting protection.
Significant changes also apply to BCG. Vaccination against tuberculosis will now be done 24 hours after birth, instead of on the third to fifth day. Up to nine months, vaccination can be carried out without additional tests if the child has not had contact with tuberculosis patients. In addition, Ukraine is completely switching to an inactivated poliovirus vaccine to provide more reliable protection against polio.
The Ministry of Health reports that family doctors are adapting individual vaccination schedules in accordance with the new norms, and parents are advised to familiarize themselves with the updated recommendations in advance. The department emphasizes that the changes are aimed at protecting children in a situation where the risks of infectious diseases persist, and vaccination is the most effective method of prevention.
