Gemotest laboratory’s published findings indicate that a substantial portion of the population lacks immunity to measles. In a recent report, the lab states that about 72 percent of Russians tested for class G antibodies against the measles virus are not immune to this serious infection. This figure highlights a notable vulnerability within the community and underscores the importance of monitoring antibody levels as part of public health surveillance.
The report notes that, on average, 72 percent of Russians who underwent testing for IgG antibodies to measles were found not to have sufficient immunity. This represents a persistent challenge for disease prevention and points to the need for ongoing vaccination efforts and periodic antibody assessments to gauge population protection levels.
During the early months of 2023, Russians began pursuing measles immunity testing at roughly double the rate seen in the same period the previous year. Gemotest has conducted 17,000 tests for IgG antibodies to measles within this year, indicating a growing interest in personal health checks and antibody status among residents.
Laboratory professionals reported regional variations in immunity data: about 80 percent of patients evaluated in the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug and Stavropol Territory showed insufficient immunity, while antibody levels were lower in Moscow and St. Petersburg, falling within the 75-77 percent range among studied cohorts. These figures reflect how local factors and vaccination coverage can influence immunity profiles across different areas.
Health practitioners emphasize that the measles vaccine schedule begins with an initial dose around age one and is followed by a second dose at around age six. After completing the two-dose series, protective immunity is achieved in roughly 95 percent of individuals, and this protection can extend for about 18 years, though the duration may vary with each person’s biological characteristics. Medical guidelines advise checking antibody levels every five years to maintain timely protection and to guide vaccination decisions when necessary.
Public health authorities have previously reported cases that underscore the ongoing relevance of measles prevention. For instance, a student at a prominent Moscow university switched to remote learning after a measles case was identified in the student population, illustrating how outbreaks can affect campus life and academic activities. In addition, several new cases were reported in the Primorye and Sverdlovsk regions, demonstrating that measles activity can appear beyond major metropolitan areas and require coordinated responses across regions.
Across larger health systems, these observations align with global patterns where measles immunity remains an essential component of infectious disease control. In Canada and the United States, health authorities continually monitor vaccination coverage and antibody persistence to safeguard communities, particularly for children, travelers, and adults with waning immunity. The emphasis on routine vaccination, booster recommendations when applicable, and accessible testing contributes to reducing outbreak risks and protecting vulnerable populations. While regional statistics differ, the overarching goal remains clear: maintain strong immunity through validated vaccination strategies and periodic testing to adapt to changing epidemiological conditions.