Historical and Legal Aspects of the Development of Immunoprophylaxis of Infectious Diseases in Russia

The authors structure the regulatory legal acts underlying vaccination at the same time considering historical facts and background as prerequisites for the creation of a powerful protective preventive system of immunization of the population in the RSFSR, the USSR and Russia from 1919 to the present time. The paper analyzes the decree of the Council of People’s Commissars of 1919 «On compulsory smallpox vaccination» and subsequent historical stages in the development of immunoprophylaxis of new and returning infections in Russia. A system of planned and emergency vaccination of children and adults has been created, enshrined in the decrees of the Council of People’s Commissars, decrees and resolutions of the Council of People’s Commissars of the RSFSR, orders of the USSR Ministry of Health, orders of the Ministry of Health and Social Development of the Russian Federation, orders of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, orders of the Government of the Russian Federation, federal laws. Artificial immunobiological preparations, vaccines and toxoids are used to prevent, contain and level out the social consequences of epidemics and pandemics for the purpose of sustainable development of the state and society as a whole. The Strategy for the development of immunoprophylaxis of infectious diseases for the period until 2035 highlights the national importance of the vaccine business. Vaccination not only prevents disease and premature death in immunized citizens, but also contributes to widespread advances in health, education, technological and economic development.