Vaccination against pneumococcal infection significantly reduces the risk of pneumonia and its adverse outcome, as well as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular accidents, said IINI Pirogova, chief geriatrician of the Russian Ministry of Health, director of RGNCC RNIMU, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences Olga Tkacheva.
WHO has recognized pneumococcal infection as the most dangerous of all vaccine-preventable diseases – killing 1.6 million people a year before universal vaccination was introduced.
“Pneumococcus is the main causative agent of pneumonia, which is especially dangerous for the elderly and the elderly. This is due to age-related changes in the immune system and the presence of concomitant chronic diseases. Elderly people are at high risk of pneumonia and are more likely to have adverse outcomes from pneumonia due to cardiovascular complications. This vicious circle can be broken with timely vaccination against pneumococcal infection,” explained Tkacheva.
Currently, vaccination against pneumococcal infection, especially of chronic diseases (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease, congestive heart failure, and others).
“Chronic diseases are not a reason for not being vaccinated, they are an argument in favor of being vaccinated. This is one of the most important measures that can ensure healthy aging,” Tkacheva concluded.