In the near future, the national vaccination schedule will be expanded with four new vaccines: against meningococcus, human papillomavirus (HPV), chickenpox, and rotavirus infection, announced Academician Alexander Gorelov on the eve of the annual Immunization Week.
According to him, future plans also include adding vaccinations against respiratory syncytial virus infection and herpes zoster virus, which causes shingles, to the national vaccination schedule.
Gorelov noted that the national vaccination schedule currently includes 12 infections that can cause serious harm to health. The trend towards continuing immunization of children and adults is supported by leading infectious disease specialists and epidemiologists in Russia.
However, despite the importance of vaccinations, there is insufficient readiness for vaccination in the country. Many Russians, including healthcare workers, do not recognize the need for flu vaccinations. However, the vaccine reduces the risk of illness by 150 times and mitigates the course of the disease.
To increase public awareness of the importance of immunoprophylaxis, it is necessary to conduct informational and educational work with the population. Gorelov is also convinced that relevant topics should be included in the school curriculum.
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