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Contraindications to vaccination in the Russian Federation
1Center for Immunoprophylaxis, Institute of Pediatrics, Research Center for Child Health, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Moscow 117963, Russia.
The Journal of Infectious Diseases
|February 5, 2000
Summary
Revising contraindication lists for the diphtheria-tetanus toxoids-pertussis (DTP) vaccine significantly improved childhood immunization rates in the Russian Federation. This change helped combat the diphtheria epidemic by increasing DTP3 coverage.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Immunology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The 1990s diphtheria epidemic in the Russian Federation was linked to low childhood immunity.
- Extensive contraindications for the diphtheria-tetanus toxoids-pertussis (DTP) vaccine, established in 1980 by the Soviet Ministry of Health (MOH), hindered vaccination efforts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of revised vaccination contraindication policies on DTP coverage in the Russian Federation.
- To understand the role of contraindication lists in public health immunization strategies.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of DTP vaccination coverage rates before and after policy changes.
- Review of Ministry of Health (MOH) vaccination guidelines and contraindication lists.
Main Results:
- In 1994, the Russian Federation's MOH revised DTP vaccine contraindications, aligning them with World Health Organization recommendations.
- Age-appropriate DTP3 vaccination coverage in children aged 12 months increased from 60% in 1990 to 87% in 1996.
Conclusions:
- Liberalizing contraindication policies for the DTP vaccine led to a substantial increase in vaccination coverage.
- Policy reform is a critical factor in enhancing public health immunization programs and controlling vaccine-preventable diseases.