STUDY OF COVERAGE INDICATORS OF ROUTINE PREVENTIVE VACCINATION AMONG CHILDREN UNDER 6 YEARS OF AGE IN ZHYTOMYR REGION IN 2020–2025

Abstract

Topicality. Immunoprophylaxis is currently a key component of the public health system and a strategic tool for ensuring population health. Achieving high immunization coverage among children reduces the risk of the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases within communities. An infection-safe environment, along with timely and effective immunization measures, decreases the likelihood of infectious disease outbreaks and reduces the burden of disability and mortality associated with these conditions.
Objective. To analyze current trends in routine immunization coverage among children in the Zhytomyr region during 2020–2025, assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and wartime conditions on vaccination performance, and develop recommendations for public health institutions.
Materials and methods. A retrospective analysis of statistical data and analytical materials was conducted, including data from the vaccination planning and monitoring system “UkrVak-08”, analytical reports of the Department of Health of the Zhytomyr Regional Military Administration, and reports from the Zhytomyr Regional Public Health Center and the Public Health Center of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine. The study employed a system-analytical approach, as well as retrospective and comparative analysis, statistical, descriptive, and graphical methods.
Results. Over the past five years, Ukraine, and particularly the Zhytomyr region, has experienced an unfavorable epidemiological situation. A decline in routine immunization coverage was observed during the COVID-19 lockdown period (2020–2021), primarily due to reduced access to healthcare services and system overload. The full-scale invasion in 2022 further challenged immunization programs, significantly affecting their implementation. Despite the unstable security situation, repeated missile attacks, and damage to infrastructure causing disruptions in electricity supply, the national immunization program in the Zhytomyr region continued without interruption. In 2022, vaccination coverage ranged between 60% and 74%, whereas by 2025, immunization rates increased by approximately 25–30% across most indicators. However, these levels remain insufficient to ensure adequate herd immunity among preschool and early school-age children. Timely response to infectious threats is essential, as it reduces the risk of outbreaks, as well as the associated burden of disability and mortality, and is critical for maintaining epidemiological stability.
Conclusions. The combined impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the war led to a significant decline in immunization coverage among children under 6 years of age, creating conditions for outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases. This resulted in the accumulation of susceptible individuals and increased the risk of infectious disease outbreaks, as evidenced by cases of poliomyelitis and the rise of other infectious diseases. Ensuring consistently high vaccination coverage requires a comprehensive approach that integrates organizational, informational, and behavioral interventions. This is a key prerequisite for strengthening the public health system and safeguarding child health under current challenges.