Pneumonia vaccine is also important... Who should get it and how?

After Seo Hee-won passed away, interest in pneumonia has increased significantly.

It is truly dangerous for the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.

There are many cases where early treatment is missed because the symptoms are similar to a cold.

Even people under 65 should pay more attention if they have chronic conditions such as diabetes, chronic heart disease, or liver disease.

It is recommended for general adults to receive the flu vaccine every year.

It's been very cold lately, so please be careful not to catch a cold~

 

Amidst the emphasis on the importance of vaccination for pneumonia prevention, experts advised that the vaccines to be administered vary depending on the individual.

Recently, news spread that Su Hee-won, the wife of singer Koo Jun-yup and a Taiwanese actress, passed away due to pneumonia caused by the flu, raising increased interest in pneumonia prevention.

Pneumonia is an inflammatory lung disease caused by infection with viruses, bacteria, or other pathogens. Its symptoms are similar to those of a common cold, such as fever and cough. Therefore, if initial treatment is missed or neglected, it can become life-threatening.

Professor Han Chang-hoon of the Respiratory Medicine Department at Ilsan Hospital told DongA.com, "Pneumonia is the most common cause of death among the elderly," and "it is the leading cause of death among infectious diseases."

He also added, "Even people under 65 with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, chronic heart disease, or liver disease are more prone to pneumonia and face higher risks."

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the incidence of invasive pneumococcal disease caused by pneumococcus is higher among those aged 65 and older. Additionally, if the elderly develop meningitis due to pneumococcus, the mortality rate is 80%, and if bacteremia occurs, the mortality rate is 60%.

 

Professor Han explained, "Depending on the target, you need to receive both vaccines," and "The cause of the flu is the influenza virus, while pneumococcal targets bacteria."

Therefore, it is recommended that individuals over 50 with chronic illnesses receive both the flu vaccine and the pneumococcal vaccine.

Pneumococcal vaccines are not administered every year; it is sufficient to receive about 1 to 2 doses. Generally, it is considered more effective to receive the 15-valent or 20-valent pneumococcal vaccine rather than the 13-valent.

According to Professor Han's explanation, the flu vaccine is developed by predicting the causative viruses that are prevalent in the Southern Hemisphere and Northern Hemisphere, where the seasons are opposite. Professor Han stated, "The influenza vaccine varies each year depending on the circulating strains," and emphasized, "It is better to get the newly developed vaccine."

 

In the case of general adults, they should receive the flu vaccine every year. For those over 50 with chronic illnesses, the elderly, or children under 2 years old who are eligible for both pneumococcal and flu vaccines, it is beneficial to administer both vaccines together.

For those aged 65 and older, they can receive a vaccine to prevent invasive pneumococcal infection at a designated medical institution without any cost. Information about designated medical institutions and remaining vaccines can be found on the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency website.

Vaccinations should be administered on days when health is good, and patients with underlying conditions must undergo a medical consultation before vaccination. After the injection, stay in the facility for 20 to 30 minutes to monitor for adverse reactions before going home. Additionally, alcohol consumption, showering, and strenuous exercise are prohibited on the day of vaccination, and rest should be taken for at least half a day.

 

<Source: Dong-A Ilbo>