The Russian Ministry of Health has announced changes to the preventive vaccination calendar, moving the second dose of the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine from six years to two years of age. This decision was made based on scientifically grounded recommendations from the Scientific and Technical Expert Group on Immunization.
With the measles situation remaining tense, with 5,446 cases registered as of March 12, the Expert Group has recommended revaccination against measles and rubella for children at the age of two. This measure aims to reduce the incidence of measles among susceptible children.
According to the Ministry of Health, shortening the interval for measles immunization will provide long-term protection and immunity against the measles virus. Vaccination is recognized as an effective and cost-effective means of protection against infectious diseases in modern medicine. The more people are immune to a particular disease, the lower the chances of others getting sick, reducing the likelihood of an epidemic.
