MoH approves COVID-19 booster vaccination for everyone aged 18 and over; Diia to also issue a corresponding certificate

Shortly before this, booster vaccination was only allowed for doctors and the older population aged 60 and over.

The Ukrainian Ministry of Health has approved the administration of a third (booster) dose of the coronavirus vaccine for everyone over 18 years old who received the second dose of the vaccine at least six months ago.

At the same time, the Ministry of Health said that with the start of booster vaccination, corresponding certificates with QR codes confirming booster vaccination will appear in the state electronic documents and services platform Diia.

How and when to get vaccinated

Health Minister Viktor Liashko signed an order introducing a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine for all vaccinated people aged 18 and over, regardless of which vaccine they received.

According to Liashko, the desired interval is six to nine months from the date of the second COVID-19 vaccination.

The COVID-19 booster dose will be given to everyone who wants it in Ukraine starting January 8.

Preference for revaccination will be given to mRNA vaccines: Moderna or Pfizer's Comirnaty.

Those who received the first two doses of the CoronaVac vaccine from Sinovac Biotech are also advised to receive a booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine.

In the absence of mRNA vaccines, the booster dose can be given with another vaccine under the schemes permitted in Ukraine.

The minister stressed that this should strengthen the effectiveness of the vaccine and provide better protection against the new Omicron coronavirus strain.

He added that people with weakened immunity will also be able to receive a booster dose (as a fourth dose, after an additional third dose given to this group), with the optimal interval being three to six months after the additional dose.

The Ministry of Health said people will be vaccinated as usual: they can book a specific time through the Helsi website or queue in person.

New vaccination certificates

As early as the end of January, Ukrainians will be able to generate a new COVID certificate after the third dose of the coronavirus vaccine; the new document will be valid for 270 days.

"A COVID certificate for those vaccinated with a booster dose against coronavirus disease will appear at the end of January. Until then, everyone who received a booster will be able to use the green certificate of full vaccination," the Ministry of Health said.

To receive the new digital document after the third dose, it will be enough to submit a request on the portal or in the Diia app. 

The certificate will be generated on the same principle as certificates based on recovery or vaccination.

In addition to the COVID certificate, Ukrainians who receive a booster vaccination will be able to obtain an international vaccination certificate.

It can be obtained at the place of vaccination or from a family doctor. This document, like the COVID certificate, will be valid for 270 days.