Brian Jeffrey
During a recent event named “Vaccination for Adults in an Aging Society,” hosted by the University Medical Center Ho Chi Minh City (UMC HCMC) alongside the local Department of Health, specialists highlighted the importance of preventing infectious diseases among seniors, particularly those with pre-existing health issues.
Global studies reveal that cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic lung diseases, musculoskeletal issues, and mental health disorders mainly contribute to health problems faced by older individuals. In Vietnam, many seniors suffer from three to four chronic ailments.
Vietnam has approximately 10 million elderly citizens and is among the nations with the swiftest aging populations globally. The average life expectancy in the country is 75.6 years; however, individuals typically experience around a decade of poor health. In Southeast Asia, Vietnamese men are fifth in life expectancy, while women rank second, yet many suffer from illnesses during their later years.
The elderly are particularly vulnerable to both chronic non-communicable diseases and infectious diseases, including influenza, pneumococcal pneumonia, shingles, and COVID-19.
Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Hoang Dinh, Deputy Director of UMC HCMC, emphasized the importance of blending diagnosis, treatment, and preventive vaccinations into a cohesive approach. “To comprehensively address the health of older adults, vaccination should be a standard part of healthcare services,” he stated.
Dr. Dinh noted that infections like influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia significantly heighten mortality, especially for those with chronic conditions. Hence, vaccinations play a vital role in minimizing complications and enhancing overall well-being.
Dr. Nguyen Huy Luan, head of the Vaccination Unit at UMC HCMC, mentioned that vaccinations and consultations should be conducted during hospital visits to mitigate severe infectious diseases, manage chronic conditions more effectively, and relieve the healthcare system’s burden.
UMC HCMC has initiated vaccine administration for inpatients, where elderly patients with several chronic illnesses receive vaccination advice and are given immunizations upon discharge to bolster disease prevention efforts.
Nonetheless, there are various hurdles to adult vaccination. Dr. Luan pointed out that many seniors lack knowledge about vaccines, do not recognize the necessity for immunization, and often worry about possible side effects or effects on their current health conditions.
“Some older individuals show reluctance towards vaccines or might even outright decline them when mentioned. They tend to concentrate solely on managing illnesses such as hypertension or diabetes,” he remarked.
Furthermore, societal perceptions about preventive vaccination for the elderly are often not supportive, creating a significant obstacle for wider immunization campaigns.
Phuong Thuy
