Vaccination rejections endanger the risk of death, warned Sergey Petrenko
The year 2024 saw an alarming increase in measles cases in Russia, with unvaccinated individuals at a higher risk of severe complications or even death. This rise in measles cases is a cause for concern, as it mirrors a global trend that has claimed over 107,000 lives worldwide in 2023 – a number that could have been prevented with vaccines.
Experts attribute this global resurgence of measles to declining vaccination rates, fueled by anti-vaccination sentiment, disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic, and increased measles circulation globally. In Russia, vaccine hesitancy and reduced immunization coverage have played a significant role in the measles outbreak.
The increase in measles cases in Russia occurred despite the availability of vaccines. Dr. Sergey Petrenko, a top-tier immunologist at CL CLINIC multifunctional clinic, has proposed toughening measures against anti-vaxxers to combat this issue. Alexander Petrov, a member of the State Duma Committee on Health, has also voiced his concern and is advocating for increased public health measures to promote vaccination.
Marina Vinogradova, the deputy head of the medical service for sanitary and epidemiological work at the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution "All-Russian Children's Center "Smena"", has been involved in efforts to combat the measles outbreak. Elizabeth Karlova, a resident of Krasnodar, is among those who have been affected by the disease, underscoring the need for effective public health measures.
Authorities and organizations like the Global Virus Network urge immediate action to reverse declines in immunization through education on vaccine safety and effectiveness. Public health campaigns, stricter vaccine mandates for school attendance, reduced exemptions, community engagement, and enhanced monitoring of measles outbreaks are key strategies in this fight.
The increase in measles cases in Russia underscores the need for effective public health measures to promote vaccination. By restoring high vaccination coverage, we can control the current rise in measles cases and protect our communities from this preventable disease.
- The increase in measles cases in Russia highlights the importance of science-backed public health measures in addressing medical-conditions like measles, contributing to the overall health-and-wellness of the population.
- Effective health-and-wellness programs, which may include education on vaccine safety and effectiveness, stricter vaccine mandates, community engagement, and enhanced monitoring, are crucial in reversing declines in immunization rates and controlling the spread of preventable diseases such as measles.
