TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Chair of the Infection Working Group (Pokja) of the Indonesian Lung Doctors Association (PDPI), Erlina Burhan, explained the reasons for the importance of pneumonia vaccines to maintain the immunity of the elderly. He said giving the pneumonia vaccine is one way to increase immunity in the elderly and is also useful as an alternative to prevent contracting pneumonia.
The pneumonia vaccine is good for the elderly because it reflects on the annual incidence of pneumonia in the elderly in Indonesia which reaches around 25-44 cases per 1,000 people. This number is roughly four times greater than the younger population. In addition to causing many deaths in children, this disease also affects older people over 50 years.
The immune system undergoes a profound transformation with age and the immunological response is highly age dependent. Changes that occur in humans after the age of 50 need special attention because of their clinical impact.
“The most visible consequence of advancing age is the reduced effectiveness of the immune system,” he said.
In addition to requiring a pneumonia vaccine to maintain body health, the elderly are also advised to maintain a clean and healthy lifestyle, not smoking, eating healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly, maintaining weight, not drinking alcohol, getting enough sleep or rest, and avoid stress.
These activities can prevent pneumonia which is classified as an infectious disease caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses in an unhygienic environment. Erlina gave an example that one of the causes of pneumonia from bacteria, for example Streptoccus pneumonia bacteria, has fatalities other than pneumonia, such as brain tissue infection, bacterial infection in the blood, bone infection, to infection of the inner lining of the heart (endocarditis).
For that we need protection such as vaccines so that they can prevent the elderly from being exposed to pneumonia. Citing the medical journal PLoS ONE in 2017, the pneumonia vaccine in the elderly provides benefits such as fewer hospitalizations for pneumonia, reduced number of doctor visits, and savings in direct medical care costs.
In addition, if exposed but the elderly have received the pneumonia vaccine, there are other health benefits, including reduced morbidity, mortality, pain, and suffering from pneumonia. The pneumonia vaccine also improves quality of life, such as productivity and income, and reduces the uncertainty and anxiety that accompanies it.
In line with Erlina, the non-profit organization Indonesia Friendly Elderly (IRL) also supports pneumonia vaccination in the elderly to coincide with the commemoration of World Pneumonia Day which falls on November 12. A supportive environment, such as a family as much as possible, provides access to a clean and healthy lifestyle for the elderly and if possible, provides the elderly with pneumonia vaccines so that they have better body resistance.
“By implementing a clean and healthy lifestyle and vaccinating against pneumonia, we hope that the elderly in Indonesia can enjoy a good quality of life,” said Director of the Pneumonia Campaign of Elderly Friendly Indonesia, Dwi Endah.
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