The pandemic caused by the coronavirus has highlighted the value of vaccines in the disease prevention that impact the way of life and quality of life of people of all ages and in all countries of the world. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the term “vaccine” has been on everyone’s lips and thanks to the administration of more than 10,000 million doses, contain the incidence of the virus and reduce cases requiring hospitalization, as well as deaths. Vaccination against Covid-19 has clearly proven to be essential in limiting the impact of a pandemic not only on global health, but also on the economy, employment and productivity.
However, this is not the first time that vaccines have played a key role in combat serious infectious diseasesSmallpox, poliomyelitis, diphtheria… were all pathologies that threatened the lives of millions of people until the arrival of massive vaccination campaigns. While it is true that there are still many infectious diseases for which science has not been able to develop effective prophylaxis, vaccines are undoubtedly the cornerstone of public health policies and their relevance is measured to the increase in the life expectancy of populations in the world and in reduced disease burden and the death of millions of people every year. Furthermore, vaccines are clearly one of the most cost-effective health interventions, as excellent health outcomes are achieved with a low level of investment.
elderly population
Vaccination at all stages of life is essential for a healthy life and a healthy aging. Not only does it prevent disease, but it also protects against the complications and disabilities often associated with diseases that are prevented. The approval in 2019 of the Lifelong Vaccination Schedule in our country, in line with what was happening in other European countries, represented a real paradigm shift, moving from a vision centered on pediatrics to a longitudinal vision in phase with the progressive aging of the population. population, and in which vaccination ceases to be exclusive to children and adolescents and is integrated into all ages as a practice of responsible self-care.
Without vaccination throughout life, Infectious diseases like covid-19 itself, seasonal influenza, shingles or pneumococcal disease would continue to cause significant morbidity and mortality, particularly in late adulthood. The impact of these diseases cannot be minimized as they seriously threaten both the life and the quality of life of the elderly and people with at-risk conditions, the most vulnerable. The reason for this greater vulnerability is due to three fundamental factors: On the one hand, immunosenescence, which involves the progressive reduction in the capacity of our immune system to defend itself against infections. On the other hand, the vulnerability associated with the use of treatments with immunosuppressive effect. And finally, the vulnerability linked to the ignorance of all the above which leads the elderly and patients at risk not to be vaccinated.
‘immuno-aptitude’
GSK, as a pharmaceutical company engaged in the conscious health care of the impact of immunosenescence on the quality of life of the elderly, launched the Immunofitness project with the aim of informing this part of the population about the importance of strengthening our defenses so that, faced with any “dangerous they develop the best answer possible. Immunofitness is a way of life that encompasses multiple practices that have their priority to prevention. This way of life is based on four pillars: healthy eating, active living, a healthy mind and the prevention of disease through vaccination.
To do this, GSK has created a website which aims to become a space bringing together quality content and facilitating the step towards a healthier lifestyle. Through videos, articles of interest, interviews, tips and exercise charts, people over 50 will be able to get advice and information on how to incorporate healthy lifestyle habits into your daily life to train your immune system and be prepared to combat the effects of immunosenescence.
Our body is constantly attacked by different pathogens and vaccines allow us to train our defenses. Just like we go to the gym for train our body and be fitVaccines allow us to train our immune system to defend against certain vaccine-preventable infectious diseases.
Vaccination of adults is a particular concern for authorities given demographic trends
• By 2025, nearly 50% of Europeans are expected to be 50 or older.
• In the UK, around 50% of healthcare spending goes to people over 65.
•In 2016 in Spain, the percentage of the population aged over 65 was 18.7%, and the trend indicates that it will reach 25.6% in 2031 and 34.6% in 2066. increase in the elderly population, as well as the fact that life expectancy is increasing, will have an impact on the health of this segment of the population.
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