Mykolaiv runs out of rabies vaccine: vaccinations are given only in emergency cases

The anti-rabies vaccine in Mykolaiv is only enough for emergency cases. Photo: archive NikVesti, illustrative photo

There is a shortage of rabies vaccine in Mykolaiv. Currently, it is only enough to provide emergency care.

This was reported by Inna Yatsenko, head of the immunoprophylaxis department of the regional Centre for Disease Control and Prevention of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, in a comment to NikVesti.

Residents of the city report on Threads about difficulties in finding vaccines in city healthcare facilities after being bitten by animals.

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«There is no rabies vaccine in Mykolaiv... Nowhere! And it's terrible... It's powerful, very powerful!» wrote general practitioner Liubov Verbytska.

Another resident of the city said that after being bitten by a street dog, she was sent to the Emergency Hospital for vaccination, but there was no vaccine there. She was told that she had to wait until Monday and go to another clinic.

«I was recently bitten by a street dog. We were referred to the emergency hospital, and they took us for vaccination, and it turned out that they had run out of vaccines. They told me to wait until Monday. I was registered and looked after the dog for 10 days. It's good that she's alive, she was lucky,» the resident added.

Residents of the city report difficulties in finding a rabies vaccine in Threads. Screenshots

Residents of the city post on Threads about difficulties in finding a rabies vaccine. Screenshots

Residents of the city report difficulties in finding a rabies vaccine in Threads. Screenshots

Inna Yatsenko, head of the immunoprophylaxis department at the regional Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, explained that the region does not currently have enough vaccine to fully provide preventive vaccinations to all those who apply.

At the same time, she stressed that the final decision on the need for vaccination is made by a traumatologist who assesses the nature of the wound, its location, and the type of animal that caused the bite.

«Unfortunately, today we do not have enough vaccine to ensure vaccination. We have it for emergency care, but there may be a situation when it runs out,» explained Inna Yatsenko.

She clarified that the region receives the drug centrally — from the national level, after which the vaccine is distributed among the institutions that provide emergency care. However, there has been no regular supply so far, so it is impossible to fully cover the need.

«This is a state-level issue. Ukraine does not produce rabies vaccine, so supplies are made through the World Health Organisation or patrons. As of today, we have not received this vaccine to ensure that the facilities can provide 100% for any patient who applies. We know that a new batch is expected in December,» said Inna Yatsenko.

According to a letter from the Mykolaiv Regional Centre for Disease Control and Prevention of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, there is currently no anti-rabies immunoglobulin in the region. It is administered to people after a bite from an animal with rabies or suspected rabies to quickly provide passive immunity, especially in case of bites to the face, neck or head. There is also a shortage of anti-rabies vaccine.

Despite the vaccine shortage, no cases of rabies have been reported in Mykolaiv region. According to the representative of the Centre, this is due to the fact that people seek medical care in a timely manner.

As a reminder, new cases of rabies among animals have been recorded in Mykolaiv region. Doctors urge residents to be vigilant, avoid contact with stray animals and seek immediate medical attention in case of a bite.