Vaccination against influenza and pneumococcal infection can make a big contribution to the indicators of the national project Demography

In Russia, a series of meetings among the professional medical community on issues of immunization of the adult population, organized by the Russian Society for the Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases (RSPNCD), has been completed. Vaccination against influenza and pneumococcal infection helps to increase life expectancy and reduce mortality in the elderly and people with chronic diseases (diabetes, cardiovascular and bronchopulmonary diseases). The online events were attended by leading specialists in cardiology, epidemiology, gerontology, and pulmonology from eight federal districts of Russia.

Immunization helps reduce the risk and severity of respiratory illnesses, pneumonia, and complications that can be caused by influenza or pneumococcal disease. This preventive measure can make a significant contribution to the indicators of the national project Demography and the implementation of state programs for active longevity of the population of Russia — these are the conclusions of the final session, which took place on November 19.

Pneumococcal infection is one of the leading infectious causes of death^[1]. Most often, pneumonia develops against the background of pneumococcal infection, but other manifestations are also common, such as meningitis, sinusitis, otitis, and others^[2].

Pneumococcal infection and its complications are especially dangerous for people in risk groups. Among them are the elderly, patients suffering from non-communicable diseases: diabetes mellitus, COPD, chronic heart failure, bronchial asthma, as well as smokers^{[3], [4]}.

Immunization against influenza reduces the risk of cardiovascular pathologies, the likelihood of contracting COVID-19 and suffering from it in a severe form, reduces the chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease within 4 years from the date of vaccination by 40%, and reduces the frequency of relapses in multiple sclerosis by almost 2 times^{[5], [6], [7]}.

Pneumonia does not pass without leaving a trace on the body. The disease has a negative impact on health even after recovery; studies show that the risk of premature death remains increased even a year after the illness^[8].

Immunization of the population is the most effective and safe way to protect against the consequences of acute respiratory diseases caused by influenza and pneumococcal infection.

As effective measures for preventing the development of complications against the background of influenza and pneumococcal infection, experts name the adjuvant vaccines against influenza "Grippol^® Plus";, "Grippol^® Quadrivalent" and the 13-valent conjugate pneumococcal vaccine "Prevenar^® 13", which are characterized by high immunogenicity and a favorable safety profile.