The Ministry of Health updates the vaccination calendar: what will change from January 1, 2026
1 December 13:31
On January 1, 2026, the updated Vaccination Schedule will come into force in Ukraine. The Ministry of Health is bringing the Ukrainian immunization system in line with European standards by introducing modern vaccination regimens and more child-friendly combination drugs. This is reported by "Komersant Ukrainian" with reference to the press service of the Ministry of Health on Facebook.
The main innovation is compulsory vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) for girls aged 12-13. This is the first new mandatory vaccination in many years, and it is aimed at preventing cancer, in particular cervical cancer.
What vaccinations will become mandatory in 2026
The updated calendar will include vaccinations against 11 infections
- tuberculosis (BCG)
- hepatitis B
- measles
- mumps,
- rubella,
- polio,
- diphtheria,
- tetanus,
- whooping cough,
- Hib infection,
- HPV (for girls aged 12-13).
The Ministry of Health emphasizes that this is not the introduction of a dozen new infections, as reported in social media. Only the HPV vaccination is new, while the rest is an update of vaccination schemes and more modern approaches.
HPV vaccination: what is changing
Starting in 2026, all girls aged 12-13 will be able to receive a single dose of a modern 9-valent HPV vaccine free of charge.
It protects against the main strains of the virus that cause
- cervical cancer,
- vulvar and vaginal cancer,
- precancerous conditions,
- genital warts.
For the first time, Ukraine is switching to the EU standard, where HPV vaccination is recommended as an effective method of cancer prevention.
Hepatitis B: new 2-4-6-18 month schedule
Hepatitis B vaccination will now be administered at 2, 4, 6, and 18 months. This will allow us to switch to combination vaccines that contain several components at once (Hib HBV DTP).
Advantages:
- fewer injections;
- less stress for children;
- fewer visits to the doctor;
- a convenient modern scheme that has long been used in Europe.
Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR): vaccination earlier
Instead of the 1 and 6 year old scheme, a new one is introduced:
- 1 year,
- 4 years.
The Ministry of Health explains that this way children will receive protection earlier, which reduces the risk of severe forms of measles or rubella and the development of complications.
BCG: now in the first 24 hours of life
The tuberculosis vaccine will be given on the second day of life, not on the 3-5th day, as it was before.
The approach to tuberculin tests is also changing: children under 7 months of age will be given BCG without prior testing if there has been no contact with a TB patient.
Full transition to IPV instead of oral polio vaccine
Starting in 2026, Ukraine will switch exclusively to inactivated polio vaccine (IPV).
This is a European standard that
- does not contain live virus,
- is safer,
- cannot cause vaccine-associated polio.
More combined vaccines – fewer injections
The updated calendar makes it possible to make greater use of combination products that contain several vaccines at once.
This
- reduces the number of injections,
- reduces the number of visits to healthcare facilities,
- increases vaccination coverage,
- and is in line with international practices.
When will the new rules take effect?
All changes will come into force on January 1, 2026.
Family doctors are already preparing to update individual vaccination schedules and give recommendations for children of different ages.
What parents need to know
- The updated calendar complies with EU and WHO standards.
- The changes are aimed at reducing the number of injections and making it more convenient for families.
- HPV vaccination is an investment in cancer prevention.
- All vaccinations on the calendar are free of charge.
The Ministry of Health advises to follow the updates and consult with your family doctor about individual vaccination schedules.
Read us on Telegram: important topics – without censorship
