Belarus Sees A Surge In Acute Respiratory Infections

• 25.09.2026, 9:38

The optimal time for vaccination has been identified.

An increase in the incidence of acute respiratory infections (ARI) has been observed in Belarus, according to the Ministry of Health.

The ministry noted that the increase in ARI cases compared to the summer period is “a natural annual pattern: it is influenced by seasonality and the start of the school year.”

Children predominate in the age distribution of those affected. They account for 68.2% of all recorded cases.

Non-influenza pathogens are predominantly circulating, with the following being the most common:

rhinovirus—47.3%;

bocavirus—20%;
parainfluenza viruses—14.5%.
The flu vaccination campaign begins in October. For the 2026–2027 season, the viral strains included in the flu vaccine have been completely updated—for all three components—in accordance with WHO recommendations:

A/Missouri/11/2025 (H1N1) pdm09;

A/Darwin/1454/2025 (H3N2);

B/Tokyo/EIS13−175/2025 (B/Victoria lineage).

Who Should Get Vaccinated

Vaccination is essential first and foremost for patients in high-risk groups. The “Grippol Plus” (Russia) vaccine will be available to them. The first batch has already passed mandatory laboratory quality control and is being distributed to healthcare organizations.

You can get vaccinated at your own expense with the following vaccines:

“Influvac Tetra” (Netherlands);
“Vaxigrip Tetra” (France);
For COVID-19—the “Convasel” vaccine (Russia).

The Ministry of Health emphasized that it is permissible to receive both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines on the same day.

“The optimal time for vaccination is October. Please notify your local clinic in advance of your intention to get vaccinated—this will help ensure the process is organized without rushing or long lines,” the ministry stated.