Vaccination and early detection: the keys to an effective fight against pneumonia

During the scientific session held at the Royal Spanish National Academy of Medicine (RANME)remembered World Pneumonia Daya disease that is still one of the main causes of death worldwide, especially in children under 5 years of age and older adults. The day was inaugurated by Ángel Gil, corresponding academic of the RANME, who celebrated the the seriousness of this pathology and the importance of prevention through vaccination.

“Vaccination is presented as a fundamental pillar in the fight against the disease“

Angel Gilcorresponding academic of the RANME

Angel Gil has pointed that out Pneumonia is the leading cause of death among children under 5 years of agewith around 800,000 victims every year worldwide. This data highlights the vulnerability of infants and young children to the disease, whose average death rate in Spain is alarming, reaching up to 14%, he said. In spite The incidence of pneumonia in children has decreased in countries with routine vaccination programsthe problem remains strong in the adult population. “In Spain, the autonomous communities have implemented vaccination strategies aimed at people over 60 years old and those with immunocompromise or chronic diseases, due to high mortality rates in these groups ,” said Ángel Gil. In this context, Vaccination is presented as a fundamental pillar in the fight against the diseaseharmony with the Sustainable Development Goal number 3which promotes health and well-being through prevention at all stages of life.

Gil has also pointed out that World Pneumonia Day is looking for increase awareness among the population about the importance of detecting the disease in timeadopting preventive measures in such countries vaccination days and receiving appropriate medications. The day was also his goal promote education about the diseasepresenting various scientific presentations that provided key information on the current situation and prevention strategies, with a special emphasis on vaccination. Among the speakers were Sara de Miguel, Isabel Jimeno and Fernando González Romo.

Development of invasive pneumococcal disease

Sara de Miguel, specialist in Preventive Medicine and Public Health at the Hospital 12 de Octubre in Madridthe first to explain the Evolution of invasive pneumococcal disease in Spain. According to de Miguel, pneumococcal disease remains one of the leading causes of illness and death worldwide, especially among children and older adults. In Spain, data from the Community of Madrid between 2016 and 2020 shows that high rate of mortality and hospitalizationwhich shows how serious the disease is, said de Miguel.

“Data from the Community of Madrid between 2016 and 2020 show a high level of hospitalization and mortality. “

Sara de Miguelspecialist in Preventive Medicine and Public Health at the Hospital 12 de Octubre in Madrid

De Miguel has warned against that pneumococcal vaccines, such as the PCV13 conjugate, have been able to reduce the incidence of the diseasebut he has pointed out a disturbing phenomenon: replace serotype. Despite the effectiveness of the vaccine in reducing some serotypes, de Miguel has pointed out that an increase in the circulation of serotypes not covered by the vaccine has been observedsuch as serotype 3, which has increased its presence in different age groups. This phenomenon highlights the need to continue changing vaccination strategies, such as the introduction of new vaccines that cover more serotypes, such as the twenty-valent vaccine, which may improve protection against these emerging strainsaccording to the expert. In addition, resistance to antibioticsespecially penicillin, increased in serotypes such as 11A and 19Awhich further complicates the treatment of the disease.

The expert’s analysis has revealed that, despite the progress, There are still gaps in vaccine coverageespecially in older adults and people with comorbidities. A study conducted at the University Hospital 12 de Octubre has shown that many patients with an indication for vaccination did not receive the vaccine, which has contributed to several serious cases that can be prevented. For this reason, de Miguel has emphasized the importance of strengthening epidemiological surveillance and increasing vaccination rates in vulnerable populations to prevent outbreaks and reduce mortality.

Advances in the development of vaccines against pneumonia

Fernando González Romo, Regional Specialist in Clinical Microbiology at the San Carlos Clinical Hospital in Madrid, has given a detailed offer advances in the development of vaccines against pneumonia and other respiratory pathogens. Despite the advances in the control of pneumococcal pneumonia, González Romo has warned The disease is still one of the main causes of mortality worldwideespecially in low-income countries. As explained, he pneumococcus remains a leading agent in pneumonia mortality, particularly in children and young adults.

“The disease remains one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide”

Fernando Gonzalez Romophysician specialist in the field of Clinical Microbiology at the San Carlos Clinical Hospital in Madrid

During his speech, González Romo highlighted the progress in conjugate vaccineswhich have evolved since the first formulations in the 1940s These vaccines have greatly improved their effectiveness, change according to the frequency of serotypes and the increase of immunological memoryhe said. Currently, there are vaccines that cover up to 20 serotypes, which improve protection against the most common and resistant strains. However, González Romo has also weighed in vaccine formulations need to be further developedwith ongoing research aimed at improving the immune response through methods such as bioconjugation. According to the doctor, these innovations promise to strengthen the immune response against pneumococcus and other respiratory pathogens.

In addition, González Romo has emphasized the increased risk of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)Another causative agent of pneumonia, which affects children and older adults. According to him, with the recent availability of vaccines against RSV, new hope is opening up in the fight against respiratory diseases. These vaccines, according to González Romo, They are very effective and promise to significantly reduce the incidence of pneumonia in the general population.offers wider and longer protection.

Vaccines in clinical practice

Finally, Isabel Jimeno, a Primary Care doctor in Madrid and a member of the Community Vaccination Advisory Committee of Madrid, has dealt with vaccination against pneumonia in clinical practice. Jimeno has pointed out that the most vulnerable population to this disease are adults over 65 years of age and those with chronic diseases, such as diabetes, COPD or heart failure. In his consultation, Jimeno emphasizes not only the compliance with the vaccination schedulebut also in the active monitoring of these groups to prevent serious problems.

To raise awareness about the seriousness of pneumonia, Jimeno has put on a show clinical issues from your practicelike a 59-year-old patient who, despite receiving the flu and COVID-19 vaccine, developed severe pneumonia that required admission to the ICU. This case shows that although vaccination is essential, Not all patients are risk-freeand Regular monitoring is essential to detect the disease early. He has also mentioned the difficulties in vaccinating young people with chronic diseases, a group that, although they are vulnerable, does not have enough vaccination coverage.

“Although vaccination is essential, not all patients are free from risk”

Isabel Jimenoa Primary Care doctor in Madrid and a member of the Community Immunization Advisory Committee of Madrid

Jimeno has applied for a active focus on vaccinationpromoting recruitment and ongoing monitoring of patients to ensure they receive the necessary vaccinations. As the population ages, improving vaccination rates is essential to guarantee a good quality of life for the elderly, free from the serious problems that pneumonia can have.

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