The level of immunity in the population as a whole and individually in each person vaccinated previously against COVID-19 and/or who had the disease decreases over time (most pronounced after a year or more). Also, the SARS-CoV-2 virus constantly changes its antigenic composition with the formation of dominant variants at one time or another, which allows it to actively spread even in a population of people with pre-existing immunity (post-vaccination and/or post-infection).
In these conditions, the main strategy to counteract the variability of the virus is to update the antigenic composition of vaccines. Currently, all major manufacturers of vaccines for the prevention of COVID-19 have updated the composition of vaccines to include the glycoprotein of the Omicron XBB virus, which allows for the highest level of protection of the population in terms of morbidity, hospitalization, and COVID-19-associated deaths.
In 2023, based on the results of effectiveness monitoring, the antigenic composition of the Gam-COVID-Vac vaccine line (vector vaccines carrying the gene for the S glycoprotein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus) was updated for the XBB subline. Clinical studies of vaccines with the updated composition have shown a favorable safety profile, the formation of neutralizing antibodies to the Omicron variant sublines circulating in 2023 and the first half of 2024. The vaccines have been released into civil circulation to protect the population from current circulating variants of SARS-CoV-2.
Given the continued registration of COVID-19 morbidity in the population and the circulation of SARS-CoV»2 viruses, it is advisable to carry out annual vaccination, primarily for vulnerable groups (people with chronic diseases and people with immunosuppression, people over 60 years of age, people living and working in 24-hour institutions, and others) during the period preceding the seasonal rise in respiratory infections and influenza, to prevent severe and adverse consequences of infection and disease development.
Anyone aged 18 and older can get vaccinated against COVID-19. To do this, you must contact the healthcare institution at your place of service, where lists of citizens wishing to get vaccinated are currently being compiled.
Booster vaccination will be carried out using the Sputnik Light vaccine with an updated antigenic composition containing the Omicron XBB virus variant (one shot).
