The new generation of vaccines in Russia: what diseases will they protect against

      April 27, 2026 12:15 Society In Russia, the active development of vaccination prevention continues, contributing to the strengthening of public health. Recently, a new vaccine for adults aimed at protecting against whooping cough, diphtheria, and tetanus was registered in the country. Additionally, drugs against meningitis, tuberculosis, dengue fever, and other dangerous diseases are under development.

      New vaccines on the horizon

      Several significant events have occurred in the field of vaccination prevention. The registration of a new vaccine against meningococcal infection has been completed. It protects against the four most common types of pathogens and was developed by specialists from the St. Petersburg Institute of Vaccines and Serums and the FMBA enterprise. The vaccine is aimed at preventing severe forms of meningitis and sepsis.

      The Federal Medical-Biological Agency plans to obtain a temporary registration certificate for a pollen allergy vaccine by autumn 2026. It will provide effective protection against seasonal flowering in spring 2027.

      The Gamaleya Center is developing a new tuberculosis vaccine for adolescents and adults. The vaccine is undergoing the third phase of clinical trials and may become an alternative to the traditional BCG.

      Work is also underway on a vaccine against dengue fever, which is caused by mosquitoes. The new vaccine, created using recombinant technology, reduces the risk of side effects and improves the accuracy of immune protection. It is worth noting that there are no drugs for treating dengue fever.

      Vaccines in oncology

      Russian oncologists have begun using new types of therapy with vaccines, which are included in the mandatory health insurance system and are free for patients. Among them are mRNA vaccines developed based on the molecular-genetic characteristics of tumors, and the peptide vaccine "Oncopept," designed for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. Additionally, CAR-T therapy is used, where the patient's immune cells are adjusted to fight cancer and reintroduced into the body. This method is effective for treating acute lymphoblastic leukemia and other dangerous blood diseases.

      The ACWY-M vaccine for adults

      On April 24, the registration of a new ACWY-M vaccine, intended for the prevention of whooping cough, diphtheria, and tetanus in adults, was completed in Russia. The drug was developed by the "Nacimbio" holding, which is part of Rostec. Clinical trials of the vaccine were conducted on 436 volunteers aged 18 to 60, and most of them developed protective antibodies against all three diseases. One dose of the vaccine can protect a person for 10 years.

      Alexander Nazarov, Deputy General Director of Rostec, stated that by the end of the year, the "Nacimbio" holding plans to release up to 5 million doses of ACWY-M to meet market needs.

      According to Rospotrebnadzor, the incidence of whooping cough in 2024 exceeded the average annual figure by 4.5 times, and a year ago by 7.6 times. This underscores the need for vaccination among the adult population.

      The layer of unvaccinated

      The ACWY vaccine (adsorbed whooping cough-diphtheria-tetanus vaccine) has been known since Soviet times and has contributed to a decrease in morbidity among children. However, the "Nacimbio" holding has modernized this drug. The new version of the vaccine contains an acellular component instead of whole bacterial cells, which eliminates complications.

      Vladislav Zhemchugov, Doctor of Medical Sciences and infection specialist, emphasized in a conversation with 360.ru that the new vaccine is intended for adults and will be used only for them for two to three years. After that, the developer will present a report to the pharmaceutical committee to obtain permission for vaccinating children.

      Zhemchugov emphasized that vaccination of adults is particularly important as it protects against tetanus. This disease is more common among adults, such as gardeners working with soil and military personnel sustaining injuries.

      The expert noted that in recent years there has been an increase in cases of whooping cough and diphtheria among adults, usually 15–20 years after childhood vaccination. There is also a group of people who have never been vaccinated, creating favorable conditions for the spread of infections.

      Children will continue to receive existing vaccines, including ACWY. Parents can choose between domestic and imported drugs. The immunologist reminded of the high danger of diphtheria for newborns, as its toxin can paralyze muscles and the heart.

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