In Russia, public health authorities reported the ongoing epidemiological situation. Between January and October, influenza incidence stood at 7.87 per 100,000 people, compared with 0.71 per 100,000 in 2021. By December, roughly 74 million Russians had received a flu shot, and the prior year vaccination coverage reached about 85.9 million people. The health agency noted that vaccination campaigns helped shape protection levels across the population.
On December 13, officials announced an overall rise in SARS and flu activity, with the rate up by about 35 percent. Swine flu, caused by the A(H1N1)-2009 strain, was detected in numerous regions. At a regular update, regional heads reported that influenza activity had grown by 35.4 percent compared with the previous week and that incidence rates in many areas exceeded the national average.
Rospotrebnadzor further observed an increasing share of influenza viruses among detected respiratory infections, now making up about half of identified viruses. The dominant strain remained A(H1N1)-2009, with other circulating types including A(H3N2) and influenza B. Several regions led in the incidence of SARS and influenza, including Tyumen, Yamalo-Nenets, Yakutia, Astrakhan, Chukotka, Komi, Khanty-Mansi, Buryatia, Kostroma, and Vologda.
According to the agency, more than 74 million people, close to half of the country’s population, received vaccination during the current season. The ministry also noted a renewed rise in coronavirus cases, with 48,000 infections reported in the 49th week of the current year, compared with the prior week.
Get vaccinated sooner rather than later
During a government video meeting, officials discussed a growing ARVI and influenza trend throughout the country, noting weekly increases of around 30–35 percent. A key health official reminded leaders that vaccination remains a practical protection measure and encouraged colleagues to consider immunization where appropriate. The remarks underscored how routine protection can help blunt infection spikes, even as supply and access are maintained.
Regional health authorities explained that, while mass vaccination was completed for the season, individuals can still seek vaccination based on medical advice and personal health indications. The emphasis remained on tailoring vaccines to the needs of individuals rather than pursuing a universal approach, ensuring that people can obtain vaccines that suit their circumstances.
Officials warned that upcoming holiday periods could raise transmission risks for acute viral infections and outlined measures to limit spread. One strategy involved temporarily separating groups of children in schools or kindergartens when attendance drops below a threshold, thereby reducing contact and potential clusters. In practice, some classrooms and facilities paused in-person activities to curb transmission while public health teams continued surveillance and response efforts. Health leaders stressed that the aim is to minimize illness across all age groups through targeted interventions and timely vaccination. The health minister highlighted a recent uptick in help-seeking behavior, with more residents seeking medical care for respiratory symptoms, while stressing that the share of influenza among confirmed infections remains elevated and that pediatric populations appear to be disproportionately affected.
Overall, experts stressed that the situation could be managed with vigilant monitoring, appropriate vaccination, and adherence to public health guidance. With ongoing detection systems in place, authorities remain prepared to adjust strategies as needed to protect community health across the nation. (attribution: Rosptotrebnadzor; health ministry communications)