In the autumn of 2020, everyone in the Netherlands who was born between 1 January 1941 and 31 December 1947 will receive an invitation from their general practitioner for a free pneumococcal injection. The corona pandemic has prompted the Health Council to offer the first group from the 60 to 80-year-old target group this injection, because they are the most vulnerable and run an increased risk with both pneumococci and Covid-19.
Bacteria
The pneumococcus bacteria can be carried by anyone without being ill. The bacteria is released into the air by sneezing and coughing. Contamination occurs by inhaling these droplets. But you can also become infected by kissing or touching someone after coughing or sneezing. Especially young children and the elderly with less resistance become ill from pneumococci.
Pneumococcal disease
The most common disease, especially older people, is severe pneumonia, but you can also get meningitis and septicemia. Every year, about 6,000 people in our country aged 60 or older are hospitalized with pneumococcal disease, of which 900 die.
Health Council advice adopted
In many countries around us, people have been offered a vaccination against pneumococci for much longer. Now the Netherlands is also following. In 2018, the Health Council will recommend this vaccination for the elderly aged 60-80, but it will take some time before such a thing is arranged. The corona pandemic has prompted the Health Council to offer the oldest target group this injection first, because they are the most vulnerable and run an increased risk with both pneumococci and Covid-19. “Just like with corona, a pneumococcal infection can cause serious lung complaints. People who have suffered lung damage from COVID-19 are also added to the groups that qualify for this pneumococcal injection on medical grounds. They are not called up via this population program, but receive the vaccination via the treating specialist. ”, Says Dr. Ted van Essen in Time for MAX.
Vaccine
This vaccine protects against the 23 most common types of pneumococci and will prevent approximately 800 hospitalizations and 120 deaths. In many cases, the pneumococcal injection will be offered by the doctor together with the flu shot, but they can also be given separately.
General practitioner call
The GP sends the invitation. The invitation will state the date and time on which you can receive the pneumococcal injection at the GP practice. Can’t you? Then make a new appointment with the doctor. Were you born between 1941 and 1947 and have you not received an invitation? Then also contact your doctor. You will receive the pneumococcal injection in your upper arm.
(Source: RIVM, doctor Ted van Essen)
–
