Professor NSMU explained when to vaccinate children from meningococcus
More than a third of Russian children have not yet been vaccinated against meningococcal infection, a disease that can lead to death in just a day
According to a study conducted in October 2026 by VTsIOM together with the Right to Health company among 609 mothers of children under 12 and expectant mothers, most women are aware of the danger of infection. Thus, 76% of respondents support protection against meningococcus from the first weeks of life, and 69% are ready to vaccinate the child on the recommendation of a pediatrician. Despite this, 37% of respondents reported that their children had never been vaccinated against the disease.
As emphasized by Irina Izvekova, the main danger of meningococcal infection is its rapid development: from the onset of the first symptoms to the death of the patient can take only 24 hours. In addition, the disease can cause severe complications - meningitis and sepsis, which often lead to disability.
According to the specialist, the child can be vaccinated from the age of six weeks, so it is worth raising the question of prevention in advance - even during pregnancy or immediately after the birth of the baby.
“It is important to consider protection against meningococcal infection from the first weeks of a child’s life, without delaying the discussion of vaccination until one year,” she said.
The situation is complicated by the fact that the vaccination against meningococcus is not yet included in the national calendar of preventive vaccinations. Because of this, parents have to take the initiative to clarify with the pediatrician the individual indications and the appropriate timing of immunization.
Earlier, "MK in Novosibirsk" reported that Rospotrebnadzor called for vaccination against ticks in advance.
