Russia to discuss mandatory vaccination for labour migrants

The Presidential Council for Civil Society and Human Rights in Russia is set to consider the introduction of mandatory vaccinations for labour migrants, following a recent outbreak of meningococcal infection.

The initiative was announced by Olga Demicheva, a doctor and member of the Council, in a statement published on the Council's official Telegram channel, Caliber.Az reports.

Demicheva linked the spread of the disease to incoming workers, noting that infections are often imported into the country, posing risks even to vaccinated citizens.

“We recently had this outbreak of meningococcal infection. An imported outbreak, brought in by people who came to work in our country — labour migrants,” she said.

Demicheva highlighted that vaccines against meningitis are already available in Russia, making the proposal for mandatory immunisation feasible. She also noted that a domestically produced vaccine is expected to be released by 2027.

By Sabina Mammadli