? Every year, over a million children, below the age of 5, die or are disabled by pneumonia and meningitis caused by pneumococcal infections[1][2].
? Streptococcus pneumoniae, also known as pneumococcus, is the number one vaccine-preventable killer of children worldwide. It can cause pneumonia and meningitis. It has also been responsible for the majority of influenza-related deaths during the influenza pandemic outbreaks that occurred in the U.S. in 1918, 1957 and 1968
? Pediatricians strongly advise prevention by vaccination; parents should be especially aware of infants experiencing high fevers.
Professor Usa Thisyakorn, President of the Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of Thailand, reveals that Streptococcus pneumoniae, also known as pneumococcus, is the number one vaccine-preventable killer of children worldwide, responsible for up to two millions deaths each year in children under two. It can also cause several invasive pneumococcal diseases (IPDs), including severe pneumonia (bacteremic pneumonia), Meningitis, Bacteremia & Septicemia, etc. In response to this appalling mortality rate, the Confederation of Meningitis Organizations (CoMO), attended by health organizations from 14 countries, has declared that the Second World Meningitis Day will be held on Saturday 24th April 2010. Timely vaccination can prevent a number of disabilities, which include brain damage, mental retardation, epilepsy, hearing disorders and many other related afflictions.
Prof. Usa added “At present, infectious disease in babies remains health care problem on a global level in which demands highest priority among pediatricians worldwide. Vaccination is the most efficient mean of prevention available as its helps build immunity and directly leads to a decrease in mortality rate. In addition, vaccination is extremely effective in reducing pneumococcal-related costs, medical treatment fees, mental & emotional distress caused by illness and recovery times. These factors may be difficult to accurately assess economically but clearly they have considerable economic impact.
In 2006, WHO recommended that all babies below the age of 2 be vaccinated with the IPD vaccine to prevent pneumococcal disease. Moreover, The International Vaccine Institute (IVI) was founded to manage and control new vaccines and to promote equal access to vaccination for all children, especially in poor and developing countries. A new planning organization, PneumoADIP of GAVI, has been established to promote the rapid development and introduction of IPD vaccine to the world.
Professor Emeritus Teerachai Chantarojanasiri MD, The President of The Thai Association of Pediatric Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, said Streptococcus pneumoniae is an invasive infectious disease which can cause death and severe disabilities. Moreover, a recent U.S. study, (released January 21st, 2010) titled “Public Health and the economic impact of vaccination with pneumonia vaccine in the context of the annual influenza epidemic and a severe influenza pandemic” disclosed that a close examination of the influenza pandemic outbreaks of 1918, 1957 and 1968 had revealed that the majority of influenza-related deaths during the 1918 U.S. pandemic were attributable to bacterial pneumococcal infections.
A recent U.S. study has shown that since the U.S. introduced the IPD vaccine into the national immunization program in 2000, it has not only prevented pneumococcal infection, but also protected against secondary bacterial pneumococcal infection during normal and severe pandemic influenza seasons. Effective vaccination could save over a million lives, 84 percent of deaths are prevented due to indirect protection (HERD Immunity) in the unvaccinated and generate enormous cost savings thus reducing pneumococcal-related costs by $1.6 billion during an influenza epidemic outbreak. In a severe influenza pandemic, vaccination could save up to $7.3 billion in related costs.
Dr. Amphorn Ittiravivongs, Medical Director of Pfizer (Thailand) Limited, states that Pfizer realizes that invasive pneumococcal disease, including meningitis, sepsis, bacteriamia and pneumonia, is one of the world’s biggest public health problems. Pfizer, as the world's premier research-based biopharmaceutical company is trying new approaches for better health and wellness. “We discover, develop, manufacture and deliver high quality, safe and effective prescription medicines and vaccines to treat and help prevent disease”.
Dr. Amphorn added “We also partner with healthcare providers, government and local communities across Thailand to help expand access to our medicines and to provide better quality health care and health support systems. We are also supportive of the WHO’s intention to decrease Meningitis among babies in Thailand and the rest of the world. In occasion of World Meningitis Day 2010, we would like to use this opportunity to provide knowledge of the disease and, more importantly, to promote prevention message to parents and the general public. After all, we realize that prevention is the most crucial measure in maintaining good health across all stages of life. Simple steps one can take to reduce the risk of infection include breast feeding to boost natural immunity, a nutritious diet, regular exercise, plentiful rest, maintain good hygiene such as washing hands, and finally avoid taking small children to crowded places. In addition, parents may choose to consider IPD vaccine for infants as a protective measure against severe pneumococcal infection. The IPD vaccine is still optional and not compulsory, therefore parents must consult pediatrician or health care providers when considering the most efficient and cost effective vaccination for their children.
For more information of IPD and Pneumococcal disease, please follow;
www.pfizer.co.th and www.comoonline.com
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