In a recent interview with Dr. Marla Shapiro, she stressed how critical vaccines are in the fight against pneumonia. This debilitating respiratory illness has led to a shocking spike in overdose deaths nationwide among Canadians. As pneumonia-related deaths continue to rise, awareness among the general public about the vaccines that exist for adults and infants is crucial now more than ever.
Dr. Shapiro cautioned that the general public often doesn’t know that vaccines are available for all ages from adults to infants. These vaccines are an essential part of pneumonia prevention, infection, and control. This chronic disease can put millions of Americans at risk for serious health complications and even death. By getting vaccinated against pneumonia with these vaccines, people can lower their risk of developing infection and subsequent complications.
These Vaccines are key to bolstering your immune system to protect against the bacteria and virus that could cause pneumonia. For infants, getting vaccinated as soon as possible is especially important, since they are at higher risk for serious disease from respiratory infections. Adults, particularly older adults age 65+, should do everything possible to protect their health. It is especially important that those most vulnerable to this serious illness continue to be vaccinated, particularly if they have previous health conditions.
Dr. Shapiro’s perspective is part of a trend among healthcare professionals that shows increasing worry about the current lack of public understanding related to pneumonia vaccines. For all their availability, far too many Canadians are unaware of or ill-prepared to use the preventive arsenal at their disposal. Health experts are urging individuals to consult with their healthcare providers about vaccination schedules and recommendations tailored to their specific needs.
The climbing pneumonia death figures highlight the importance of acting on this public health threat. Vaccination is one important opportunity to address the risk factors that lead to pneumonia. As more people become aware, more people will actively look for vaccinations, which will continue to improve the health of the community.
