Sverdlovsk Region rolls out 200,000 free tick-borne encephalitis vaccines

Sverdlovsk Region has distributed nearly 200,000 doses of the tick-borne encephalitis vaccine to local medical centres. The campaign is part of the national project Long and Active Life, which aims to boost public health. Since January, around 225,000 vaccinations have already been given across the area. The vaccines are available free of charge to three key groups: children aged 15 months, pensioners over 60, and those involved in forest fire suppression. Of the total doses, over 103,000 are allocated for children, while more than 96,000 target eligible adults.

Alexander Kharitonov, the region’s chief freelance epidemiologist, highlighted that only 32,500 of the free doses for minors have been used so far. Despite this, over 73,000 children in Sverdlovsk Oblast have received the vaccination this year. Health officials remind residents that the vaccine can be administered at any time. However, the full course must be completed at least two weeks before spending time in nature to ensure protection.

The ongoing vaccination drive continues to expand access to tick-borne encephalitis prevention. With nearly a quarter of a million doses already administered, authorities urge eligible groups to take advantage of the free programme. The initiative remains a priority under the broader Long and Active Life health strategy.