Russia Develops Rotavirus Vaccine

Russia has created a vaccine against rotavirus and plans to release it. Details were provided by Anna Popova, head of Rospotrebnadzor (Russia«s Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing).

Rotavirus is a small virus from the Reoviridae family that causes acute intestinal infection. The disease it provokes is often called rotavirus infection or rotavirus gastroenteritis. This infection can be transmitted through the following routes: food (usually through dairy products), contact and household contact (through dirty hands and household items), airborne droplets, and water (through drinking water containing viruses).

«The rotavirus vaccine has been developed and is being prepared for release,» Popova said at a plenary session of the Federation Council.

Rotavirus infection is primarily dangerous for young children, as it can quickly lead to dehydration. Symptoms of the disease include:

vomiting;

diarrhea;

abdominal pain;

fever.

According to Rospotrebnadzor, cases of the disease are registered at any time of year.

«Immunization against rotavirus is an important step in preventing this disease,» the agency said in a post on its Telegram channel.

It was also added that special drops containing weakened or inactive viruses are used for vaccination. These drops teach the body to fight the infection.

For full protection, three doses of these drops are required, as per the instructions. It is important to note that this method is very effective in reducing the number of patients and hospitalizations.

Vaccination against a widespread virus that causes cancer is expected to be included in the national vaccination schedule. In addition, it will be administered free of charge starting from 2027. Details can be found here.