Ponta Grossa starts vaccination with Pneumo 20 for seniors aged 85 and over

The Prefeitura de Ponta Grossa has started vaccination with Pneumo 20 for people aged 85 years and older. The immunizer is available in the 23 Health Units that have vaccine room and also in the Centro Vacina PG, located at Rua Augusto Ribas.

In order to receive the vaccine, the elderly must present a photo document and the vaccination card. It is not necessary to present a prescription.

According to the coordinator of the Municipal Immunization Program, Danielle Fabian, the vaccination portfolio allows teams to verify the patient’s history before application.

“The presentation of the immunization portfolio is important for the health team to verify that the elderly has already received any pneumococcal vaccine and, from that, to evaluate the need for new doses according to the vaccine history,” he explains.

Protection against pneumonia and meningitis

Pneumo 20 was incorporated by the Unified Health System (SUS) into the National Vaccination Calendar to extend protection against diseases caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae, responsible for infections such as pneumonia and meningitis.

For people 85 years of age or older who have never previously received a pneumococcal vaccine, the recommendation is a single dose.

According to the municipal secretary of health, Liliam Brandalise, vaccination is especially important among the elderly because of the increased risk of complications.

“With advancing age, there is greater vulnerability to complications due to these infections, due, among other factors, to the natural aging process of the immune system and the increased frequency of comorbidities. Therefore, it is very important that families mobilize and that the elderly have access to this new vaccine,” he says.

Influenza and Covid vaccines should also be up to date

In addition to Pneumo 20, the Municipal Health Department advises that the elderly keep updated the other vaccines provided for the age group, especially against influenza and Covid-19.

The vaccines can be applied simultaneously, on the same day, without the need for a gap between the immunizers.

“Among older people, infecções respiratórias tends to have greater severity. In this sense, we want to make an appeal for the population to also keep immunization against influenza and Covid up to date,” says Brandalise.

The vaccination with Pneumo 20 integrates the actions of the Municipality aimed at the health and care of the elderly population of Ponta Grossa.

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