Immunization for Adults: Ensuring a Healthy Society in an Ageing Population

Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital recently coordinated with the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health to organize a scientific seminar with the theme "Vaccination for adults in the era of population aging" with the companionship of GSK Vietnam.

At the workshop, experts discussed solutions to enhance the effectiveness of non-communicable disease management and the role of vaccination. They also discussed the integrated vaccination management model in the management of common chronic diseases.

Vietnam needs to move towards boosting vaccination plans for the elderly

According to research, cardiovascular disease, malignant tumors, chronic respiratory diseases, musculoskeletal diseases, and neurological and mental disorders are the main causes of the disease burden in older adults globally. In Vietnam, on average, older adults in Vietnam have 3-4 underlying diseases, which greatly affect their quality of life and are at risk of reducing the number of healthy years of life.

Preventable diseases affecting older adults include influenza, pneumococcal infection, shingles, and COVID-19, which cause significant reductions in disability-adjusted life years.

According to Associate Professor, Dr. Pham Le An - President of the Vietnam Family Physicians Association, the management and treatment of diseases in the elderly group is more difficult when infectious diseases appear. Meanwhile, vaccines are an important solution to minimize the risk of complications and death, helping to protect the sustainable health of both patients and the community.

Associate Professor, Dr. Pham Le An - President of Vietnam Family Physicians Association.

Associate Professor, Dr. Duong Thi Hong - Head of the National Immunization Program of Vietnam emphasized: "Disease prevention by vaccination is considered a very important preparation to proactively prevent diseases and negative impacts on the control of existing underlying diseases in adults. Vaccination is not only an act of personal protection but also a long-term strategy to help reduce pressure on the health system, while improving the overall quality of life for people.

Therefore, doctors need to be more proactive in advising patients with underlying diseases on vaccination right from the time they come for examination and treatment. Vietnam has also achieved success with its vaccination plan for children and now it is time for us to move towards promoting vaccination plans for adults, especially those with underlying diseases."

Associate Professor, Dr. Duong Thi Hong - Head of Vietnam National Immunization Program.

Sharing about vaccine development technology to effectively implement vaccination in adults and people with underlying diseases, Dr. Nguyen Thi Ly - Head of the Department of Viral Vaccine Testing, National Institute for Vaccine and Biological Control, said: "The decline in the ability to respond to vaccines in the elderly requires new strategies in vaccine production and development technology for adults, including solutions such as increasing antigen concentration and adding adjuvants. Along with that, testing work needs to be implemented closely to have vaccine records to ensure safety, effectiveness and quality before putting into practice for vaccination".

Dr. Nguyen Thi Ly - Head of Virus Vaccine Testing Department, National Institute for Vaccine and Biological Control.

Integrating immunization into health care is essential

Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Hoang Dinh - Deputy Director of Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital commented: "The integrated management model of diagnosis and preventive treatment with vaccines is a global trend. To manage patients comprehensively, we need to integrate vaccination programs into the routine medical examination and treatment process.

In older adults, diseases such as influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia increase the risk of death, especially when accompanied by chronic diseases. Therefore, integrating vaccination into health care is necessary to reduce the risk of complications and improve quality of life.

Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Hoang Dinh - Deputy Director of University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City.

Sharing about the significance of the integrated management model to increase access to the vaccination program for adults, Dr. Nguyen Huy Luan - Head of the Vaccination Unit, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City informed: “University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City has implemented the vaccination program for adults since 2013 and expanded to inpatient departments since 2021. Counseling and vaccination are integrated right into the medical examination and treatment process, helping to minimize the risk of serious infectious diseases and support effective management of underlying diseases. Typically, the vaccination program for adults admitted to the hospital is a very progressive step, bringing great benefits to both patients and the treatment team, reducing the burden of disease and the overload of the health system”.

Dr. Nguyen Huy Luan - Head of Vaccination Unit, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, City.

Highly appreciating the implementation of the integrated vaccination management model in chronic disease management at hospitals, Dr. Nguyen Van Vinh Chau - Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health said: "This is an optimal solution for preventing infectious diseases with vaccines for the elderly and people with underlying diseases, helping to increase the effectiveness of chronic disease management and contribute to reducing the medical burden for the elderly population. Specialized medical associations, medical examination and treatment units, doctors, and medical staff need to strengthen communication, recommendations and effective advice on diseases and disease prevention by vaccination in adults, especially high-risk groups".

Source: https://baophapluat.vn/chung-ngua-cho-nguoi-lon-dam-bao-mot-xa-hoi-khoe-manh-trong-giai-doan-gia-hoa-dan-so-post548941.html