Pneumococcal Infection is Extremely Dangerous for Children and the Elderly
On the occasion of World Pneumonia Day, which is observed on 12th November every year, the National Public Health Center (NVSC) reminds that pneumococcal infection, which is one of the major causes of pneumonia and otitis media can be prevented by vaccination. According to the World Health Organization, in 2019 alone pneumonia claimed 2.5 million lives, including 672,000 children.
“Children under the age of 5, elderly people and above, and people with various diseases such as bronchial asthma, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, even the people with oncological diseases are among those who are at highest risk for pneumococcal disease and severe form of the disease,” - says Daiva Razmuvienė, communicable diseases specialist at NVSC.
How is pneumococcal infection contracted?
The infectious agent spreads through airborne droplets and when it enters the lower parts of the respiratory system, inflammation of the mucous membrane of the respiratory system develops. Streptococcus pneumonia can also be detected in the nasopharynx of healthy individuals; about 40-60 % of children and 3-4 % of adults carry pneumococci in their nasopharynx.
Getting free vaccine
Since 2014, the vaccine against pneumococcal infection is included in the schedule for the preventive vaccination of children of the Republic of Lithuania. Children are vaccinated against this infection at the expense of the state with 3 doses of the vaccine: the first dose is given at 2 months, the second at 4 months, and the third at 12-15 months. For adults, one dose of the vaccine is recommended for long-term immunity and protection against the disease and the complications it causes.
“I also want to remind that the flu season has begun in Lithuania since early October, and it is also very important to get vaccinated against flu and COVID-19 disease (coronavirus infection). Persons at risk can be vaccinated against influenza, pneumococcal infection, and COVID-19 during one visit to the doctor, and it`s high time if they have not done it yet," – warns the NVSC specialist.
Free vaccination against pneumococcal infection is available for both children and adults in risk groups, which can be found here.
Contact your family doctor for vaccinations.
Last updated: 02-12-2022
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