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Respiratory diseases affect the lungs and other parts of the respiratory system. Pneumococcal disease, Influenza, and COVID-19 are all respiratory diseases which pose significant health risks, especially to older adults and those with underlying health conditions. These diseases can lead to severe complications like pneumonia, respiratory failure, and even death. Fortunately, vaccinations are available to protect against these illnesses. The PCV20 vaccine helps prevent serious pneumococcal infections, while annual flu vaccines and COVID-19 vaccines protect against seasonal and pandemic threats. Understanding these diseases and the importance of vaccination can reduce the spread, safeguard our health, and protect our communities.
Pneumococcal Disease and PCV20 Vaccine
What is Pneumococcal Disease?
Pneumococcal disease is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae and can lead to serious infections such as pneumonia, meningitis, and septicaemia (bloodstream infection). It primarily affects older adults, infants, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Key Facts:
o Pneumonia: A leading cause of hospitalisation and death, particularly among older adults.
o Meningitis: This can lead to long-term disabilities like brain damage or hearing loss.
o Septicaemia: This is a life-threatening infection caused when large amounts of bacteria enter the bloodstream causing blood poisoning
o At-risk Groups: Adults aged 65 and older, infants, and those with chronic conditions are most at risk.
Signs and Symptoms of Pneumococcal Disease
Symptoms depend on the specific type of infection caused by the bacteria:
• Pneumonia: Cough, fever, chills, chest pain, difficulty breathing, and fatigue.
• Meningitis: Stiff neck, high fever, headache, confusion, sensitivity to light, and vomiting.
• Septicaemia: Fever, chills, low blood pressure, rapid breathing, and altered mental state.
What is the PCV20 Vaccine?
The PCV20 (Pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate) vaccine protects against 20 strains of pneumococcal bacteria. It is used to protect against invasive pneumococcal disease and pneumonia in adults and children and also protects against acute otits media in infants and children.
In Malta, this vaccine is provided free of charge to adults aged 18 and older without the need for a prescription as well as to children, irrespective of age, if suffering from the following conditions and presenting with a doctor’s prescription:
• Chronic heart disease
o Particularly cyanotic congenital heart disease and cardiac failure
• Chronic kidney disease, excluding maintenance dialysis or nephrotic syndrome
• Chronic lung disease
o Includes moderate persistent or severe persistent asthma
• Maintenance dialysis or nephrotic syndrome
• Cerebrospinal fluid leak
• Chronic liver disease
• Cochlear implant
• An immunocompromising condition:
o Congenital or acquired asplenia, or splenic dysfunction
o Congenital or acquired immunodeficiency
o Diseases or conditions treated with immunosuppressive drugs or radiation
therapy
o HIV infection
• Sickle cell disease or other hemoglobinopathy
• Diabetes mellitus- both type 1 and type 2
Individuals (children or adults) who wish to receive the PCV20 vaccine and have previously been vaccinated with another type of PCV vaccine may still do so. However, they should inform their healthcare provider, who will advise them on the appropriate schedule, as specific timing intervals may need to be observed.
Evidence:
o Studies show that PCV20 offers over 70% protection against pneumococcal pneumonia in older adults.
Stopping the Spread of Pneumococcal Disease
• Hygiene Practices: Regularly wash your hands, cover your mouth when sneezing or coughing, and avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Vaccination: The PCV20 vaccine is the best protection against severe pneumococcal disease.
Influenza and the Influenza Vaccine
What is Influenza (Flu)?
Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can lead to mild or severe symptoms, and in some cases, can result in hospitalization or death. Influenza typically spreads during the colder months and affects a wide range of age groups.
Key Facts:
o Symptoms: Sudden onset of fever, muscle aches, fatigue, sore throat, dry cough, and runny nose.
o Complications: Influenza can cause pneumonia, inflammation of the heart, or worsening of pre-existing chronic conditions such as asthma or heart disease.
o At-risk Groups: Older adults, pregnant women, young children, and individuals with chronic health conditions are most vulnerable.
Signs and Symptoms of Influenza
• Common Symptoms: High fever, chills, muscle aches, headache, fatigue, sore throat, dry cough, and runny or stuffy nose.
What is the Influenza Vaccine?
The flu vaccine is updated annually to protect against the most common circulating strains of influenza. It is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older, with a special emphasis on high-risk groups.
Evidence:
o The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that flu vaccines reduce the risk of flu illness by 40-60%, depending on how well the vaccine matches the circulating viruses.
o Research shows that influenza vaccination lowers the risk of severe complications, especially in the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions.
Stopping the Spread of Influenza
• Get Vaccinated: The flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and others from influenza.
• Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently, cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, and avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay Home if Sick: If you develop flu-like symptoms, stay home to prevent spreading the virus.
COVID-19 and the COVID-19 Vaccine
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 spreads primarily through respiratory droplets. It can lead to a wide range of symptoms, from mild cold-like symptoms to severe respiratory distress, hospitalization, or death. Older adults and those with chronic conditions are at higher risk for severe complications.
Key Facts:
o Symptoms: Fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle aches, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, and headache.
o Complications: Severe pneumonia, blood clots, heart problems, and multi-organ failure are possible complications, especially in high-risk individuals.
o Variants: The virus continues to mutate, resulting in variants that may spread more rapidly or evolve into forms for which we may not yet have immunity.
Signs and Symptoms of COVID-19
• Mild Symptoms: Fever, fatigue, dry cough, sore throat, and loss of taste or smell.
• Severe Symptoms: Shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion, blue lips or face, and inability to stay awake.
What is the COVID-19 Vaccine?
The COVID-19 vaccines, including mRNA vaccines (e.g., Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna) and viral vector vaccines (e.g., Johnson & Johnson), have been proven effective in reducing the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death.
Evidence:
o COVID-19 vaccines are over 90% effective in preventing severe illness and death.
o Vaccination has significantly reduced the spread of COVID-19, particularly in high-risk populations.
Stopping the Spread of COVID-19
• Get Vaccinated: COVID-19 vaccines are the most effective way to protect against severe illness and death.
• Wear Masks: In crowded or indoor settings, especially if local transmission rates are high.
• Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands regularly, sanitize high-touch surfaces, and avoid large gatherings during outbreaks.
Can the PCV20, Influenza, and COVID-19 Vaccines Be Taken Together?
It is safe to receive the PCV20, influenza, and COVID-19 vaccines simultaneously. These vaccines target different diseases, and studies show that taking them together does not reduce their effectiveness or increase side effects.
Key Facts:
o According to the Centre for Disease Control (CDC), co-administration of vaccines is both safe and effective.
o Receiving all three vaccines during one visit can make it more convenient, especially for older adults or those with limited mobility.
Adults (18 years and over)
All vaccines are currently available free of charge for adults at all health centres. The pneumococcal vaccine is also provided at no cost for adults aged 18 and older without the need for a prescription. No appointment is needed but remember to bring your ID card and vaccination card. Please refer to the schedule below for specific times and locations.
Children & adolescents (from 6 months to 17 years +)
For children & adolescents (from 6 months to 17 years +), the influenza vaccine and Covid 19 booster will be available in particular Health Centres (see schedule below) . Vaccinations will begin on November 8th and continue every weekend for five consecutive weekends. No appointment is required. Parents/guardians are required to bring their ID card and the Baby Book with them. Adolescents who have an ID card should bring it with them too. Please refer to the schedule below for specific times and locations.
For regular updates on all respiratory vaccination follow us on our socials on HPDPMalta.
Persons who would like the vaccines to be administered at home can contact Servizz.Gov on 153.
Click below on the desired link to view schedule