2024-04-30 14:13:35
They do not feel any symptoms, but they can infect other people who, due to weaker immunity, can get serious diseases, such as lung inflammation (pneumonia), inflammation of the brain and its coverings, sinusitis, ear inflammation.
Fortunately, vaccinations help control this risk – experts from the National Public Health Center (NVSC) remind that children are vaccinated against both of these bacterial infections according to the vaccination schedule, while at-risk adults and children are vaccinated against pneumococcal infection.
Symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, fever, sweating and chills, chest pain, fatigue, and dizziness may occur when pneumonia is caused by pneumococcal bacteria. This bacterium can also cause other diseases – sinusitis, ear inflammation, blood infection (sepsis).
Pneumococcal infection is transmitted from a sick person or carrier of bacteria through the respiratory tract by airborne droplets, that is, by coughing, sneezing, talking or close contact.
Children under five years of age, elderly people and those whose immune system is weakened due to chronic diseases or other health disorders are at the greatest risk. Therefore, they are vaccinated against pneumococcal infection at the expense of the state:
– children are vaccinated according to the preventive vaccination calendar for children of the Republic of Lithuania with 3 vaccine doses: 2 months, 4 months. and 12-15 months. age.
– children and adults who are at risk of pneumococcal infection are vaccinated with a single dose of the vaccine.
A list of risk groups is available here.
In Lithuania, about 80 percent of the population is vaccinated against this infection every year. children (80.8% in 2022, 81.7% in 2023). The incidence of this disease fluctuates, but in recent years there is a visible increase – the incidence rate in 2022. reached 3.1 per cent. 100 thousand population, 2023 – 4.7 photos 100 thousand population.
NVSC specialists urge you not to forget to vaccinate your children on time against pneumococcal infection or vaccinate yourself if you belong to a risk group. To protect ourselves, our children and society as a whole, it is important to consult your family doctor about vaccinations.
The incidence of meningococcal infection has decreased
After the start of vaccinating children against meningococcal infection (since 2017), the incidence of this disease has decreased significantly – in 2017 the incidence rate was 2.9 per cent. 100 thousand population, 2023 – 0.73 atv. 100 thousand population. However, the proportion of vaccinated children does not reach the recommended volumes – at least 90 percent – to control the disease. 76% were vaccinated last year. children, 2022 – 75 percent
In Lithuania, children are vaccinated against type B meningococcal infection for 3 months, 5 months according to the preventive vaccination calendar at state funds. and 12-15 months. age babies. Parents or guardians who wish to vaccinate their children or vaccinate themselves should contact their family doctor.
NVSC specialists remind that this infection is spread by airborne droplets, during close contact with a sick person, for example, eating from the same dishes, kissing, etc. The period from infection to the first symptoms lasts on average 3-4 days.
The first symptoms of the disease are similar to those of a cold, later severe headache, nausea, vomiting, skin rashes, and neck muscle stiffness may occur. Mortality from this disease reaches 10-15%. even in the presence of emergency medical care.
In order to prevent meningococcal and pneumococcal infections, it is important not to forget other measures: hand hygiene, cough and sneeze etiquette, regular cleaning and ventilation of premises.
2024-04-30 14:13:35