TheCable

Pfizer, a global pharmaceutical and biotechnology company, has raised awareness on the need for adult vaccination to prevent diseases.

Speaking during a media roundtable discussion, on Thursday, medical experts emphasised on the challenges and gaps in adult vaccination, adding that older people have decreased immunological response when they are exposed to infections.

The experts noted that vaccines are not only for kids, saying adults need vaccines too even if they were fully vaccinated as children.

Speaking during the media parley were Olufunke Adeyeye, a professor and consultant physician at the Lagos State University College of Medicine, Ikeja, and Ogugua Osi-Ogbu, chief consultant and head of geriatrics unit at the National Hospital, Abuja.

Adeyeye said pneumococcal diseases poses serious health problems to adults due to age, job, lifestyle, travel or an underlying condition, but can be prevented through regular vaccinations.

“A systematic review of infections in individuals older than 65 years found that coronary heart disease, diabetes mellitus, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, were all associated with significantly higher risk of acquiring pneumococcal infections,” the professor said.

Osi-Ogbu said, “Pneumococcal disease is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in older adults. Many high-income countries recommend pneumococcal vaccination in older adults but, even where policies are in place, coverage is often low. Very few low and/or mid-income countries currently provide pneumococcal vaccination to older adults as a part of a routine programme.”

Contributing to the discussion, Kodjo Soroh, medical director, Sub-Saharan Africa, Pfizer, said the firm has built long-lasting solutions to curb deadly bacterial infections.

“Pfizer has a long history in vaccine research and development. Through the development of innovative delivery systems and technologies, we’ve created scalable solutions that address prevention of deadly bacterial infections,” Soroh said.

“The key to maintaining and building on these advances is constant vigilance and continued access to immunizations is essential to preserving the progress we’ve made against vaccine-preventable conditions and strengthening our ability to address emerging health threats.”