Pneumococcal Vaccines Protect Against Pneumonia

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), respiratory infections, including pneumonia, are the leading cause of death from communicable diseases worldwide. Pneumonia is listed as the most common cause of death from infectious diseases in children under 5 years of age, but it is important to note that pneumonia can affect people of all ages, both children and adults. On World Pneumonia Day, 12 November, the National Public Health Centre under the Ministry of Health reminds people that this serious disease can be prevented by vaccination.

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that affects the lungs. The disease can be caused by viruses, bacteria and fungi. One of the most common causes of pneumonia is Streptococcus pneumoniae. According to the data possessed by NPHC, 88 cases of pneumococcal infection were registered in country last year. In the first nine months of this year (January-September), 101 people were diagnosed with pneumonia.

Pneumococcal infection is transmitted from a sick person or the carrier of bacteria by airborne droplets, when coughing, sneezing, and talking or having a close contact.  Symptoms of pneumonia may include coughing, shortness of breath, fever, sweating and shivering, chest pain, fatigue, and dizziness.

Children under five, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems due to chronic diseases or other health conditions are at the highest risk of developing pneumonia.

In 2022, vaccination against pneumococcal infection coverage among children under 2 years of age in the country was insufficient, as was vaccination coverage among people at risk.

Pneumonia or other serious complications can be prevented by vaccine:

• Children are vaccinated with 3 doses of the vaccine at the age of 2, 4 and 12-15 months, according to the Preventive Vaccination Schedule for Children of the Republic of Lithuania, and vaccination is financed from the State budget.
• Children and adults at risk of pneumococcal infection are vaccinated with a single dose of vaccine.

NPHC points out that pneumonia is the most common complication of influenza, therefore it is essential to be vaccinated against influenza as well.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) recommends that the population should get multiple vaccines at a single visit to the doctor: pneumococcal infection, influenza and/or COVID-19.

If you want to get vaccinated, you should contact your family doctor.

To prevent bacteria or viruses that cause pneumonia, it is also recommended to avoid close contact with a sick person, wash your hands frequently, practice good oral hygiene, strengthen your immunity by being physically active, follow a healthy diet and avoid harmful habits. To avoid transmitting the infection to others, observe the etiquette of coughing and sneezing.

Last updated: 13-11-2023

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