Russia plans to expand the list of free vaccinations

The Russian State Duma has declared the need to include a domestically produced meningococcal vaccine in the national immunization schedule. This will allow citizens to access free vaccination, which is critical to protecting public health from this dangerous disease.

Deputies told RIA Novosti that a domestic drug against meningococcal infection is currently being developed. Successful clinical trials have already proven its effectiveness, and efforts are now focused on expanding production capacity.

"A domestic vaccine against meningococcal infection is currently being developed, and I believe it should be added to the national immunization schedule so that citizens have the opportunity to receive free vaccination," Leonov noted.

The parliamentarian clarified that the vaccine could be included in the national calendar around 2027, as soon as production volumes provide a sufficient number of doses to cover the population's needs.

The committee head emphasized the importance of this step, citing the high risk of meningococcal infection. The disease spreads rapidly, especially in closed settings, and can lead to serious consequences, including death. Therefore, ensuring free access to vaccination is becoming a key factor in reducing risks and protecting the health of citizens.

Leonov also emphasized the unacceptability of abandoning existing vaccinations in the national schedule, as this could lead to a decline in the population's overall immunity and an increase in the incidence of disease. In his opinion, any changes to the schedule should be aimed solely at expanding the list of recommended vaccinations to protect against new infectious threats.

Meningococcal disease is a serious infectious disease caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis. It can manifest in various forms, including meningitis (inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord) and meningococcemia (blood disease), and is characterized by rapid progression and the risk of complications. Vaccination is one of the most effective methods of preventing this disease. The inclusion of the new domestic vaccine in the national schedule aims to increase access to this protection for all segments of the population.

Earlier, the expert spoke about the rise in influenza and acute respiratory viral infections in Russia.

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