The Rospotrebnadzor reported which infections have been defeated thanks to vaccinations.

      The Kirov Region's Rospotrebnadzor office spoke about the role of vaccination in the fight against infectious diseases. According to specialists, vaccinations have radically changed the structure of mortality over the past hundred years: while people used to die more often from infections, today they die from cardiovascular and oncological diseases.

      The most illustrative example is smallpox. This disease claimed millions of lives for centuries, with mortality rates reaching up to 30%. However, thanks to mass vaccination, which began in the 18th century and was followed by a global program from the World Health Organization, smallpox was completely eradicated in 1980.

      A number of infections have not yet disappeared completely but are under control. For instance, polio, which previously caused paralysis in hundreds of thousands of children each year, is now found only in a few countries — the incidence has decreased by more than 99%.

      Cases of measles have significantly reduced. Before the vaccine was introduced, it was one of the most contagious infections: one person could infect up to 15–18 others. According to specialists, the vaccine has saved tens of millions of lives.

      Thanks to vaccinations, the severe consequences of rubella in newborns have almost disappeared. Previously, infection during pregnancy often led to congenital pathologies in children.

      Tetanus, a dangerous infection that causes severe spasms and often leads to death, is also under control. In countries with high vaccination rates, cases of the disease have become rare.

      The incidence of diphtheria, which was once one of the main causes of child mortality, has decreased significantly. A similar situation exists with hepatitis B: mass vaccination has significantly reduced the number of infections and severe complications.

      According to estimates from the World Health Organization, vaccination prevents up to 5 million deaths worldwide each year. Rospotrebnadzor emphasizes that with a decrease in vaccination coverage, even nearly forgotten diseases can return, which is why vaccination remains one of the main tools for protecting public health.