You're reading: State expert center mulling possibility of stopping use of Russian-made vaccines

Specialists from the State Expert Center at the Health Ministry of Ukraine are conducting clinical studies of immunobiological preparations used in European countries that are neighbors of Ukraine (Poland, Bulgaria, etc) to the Ukrainian genotype, so as to stop use vaccines made in Russia, the press service of the Health Ministry has told Interfax-Ukraine.

The ministry said that over 30 percent of vaccines needed for Ukraine are traditionally bought in Russia, as after collapse of the Soviet Union the only research center for production of vaccines for the common genotype of Russians, Ukrainians and Belarusians was in Russia.

According to Russian laws, Russian preparations are not certified under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards, which hinders their application in Ukraine.

In addition, Ukraine plans to receive support of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in purchase of vaccines from international producers on the beneficial conditions for coming years and the provision of humanitarian aid to Ukraine.