Adult vaccination: A sustainable approach in era of population aging in Vietnam

According to research, cardiovascular diseases, malignant neoplasms, chronic respiratory diseases, musculoskeletal disorders, and neurological and mental disorders are also major causes of the disease burden in older adults.

On average, older adults in Vietnam suffer from 3- 4 underlying diseases, significantly affecting their quality of life and reducing the number of healthy years lived.

Vaccine-preventable diseases that threaten the elderly include influenza, pneumococcal infection, and herpes zoster, which contribute to significant disability-adjusted life years lost.

In a study of immunocompetent patients aged 50 and older diagnosed with shingles, nearly ¾ of the patients had at least one underlying disease.

Most patients with shingles had underlying conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and respiratory diseases.

Dr. Pham Le An, president of the Vietnamese Association of Family Medicine, emphasized the increased complexity in managing and treating chronic conditions in older adults when infections are present.

Vaccination, he stressed, is a crucial intervention for mitigating the risk of complications and mortality, contributing to sustainable health outcomes for both individuals and the community.

"Preventive vaccination is a critical measure for proactively mitigating diseases and their adverse impacts on the management of pre-existing conditions in adults," said Associate Professor Dr. Duong Thi Hong, head of the National Immunization Program.

"Vaccination is not only an act of self-protection but also a long-term strategy to alleviate the burden on the healthcare system and enhance the overall quality of life for the population.

"Therefore, doctors need to be more proactive in counseling patients with underlying health conditions about vaccination, starting from their initial consultations and treatments.

"Vietnam has achieved remarkable success with its childhood immunization program, and now it's time to prioritize and strengthen adult immunization initiatives, particularly for those with chronic illnesses."

Discussing vaccine technology advancements for effective immunization in adults and individuals with underlying health conditions, Dr. Nguyen Thi Ly, head of the Viral Vaccine Testing Department - National Institute for Control of Vaccines and Biologicals, explained: "The diminished immune response in older adults necessitates new strategies in vaccine production and development technologies for adults. These strategies include solutions such as increasing antigen concentration and adding adjuvants. Furthermore, rigorous testing is crucial to ensure comprehensive vaccine documentation that guarantees safety, efficacy, and quality before implementation in vaccination practices."

Integrated model of vaccination management within chronic disease management

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Hoang Dinh, deputy director of the University Medical Center, emphasized that combining diagnosis with preventive care through vaccination is a growing global trend.

He noted that to effectively manage patients, especially older adults, vaccination should be part of regular healthcare practices.

Illnesses such as influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia can significantly raise the risk of death, particularly in those with chronic conditions like heart failure or diabetes.

As such, incorporating vaccines into routine care is vital for minimizing complications and enhancing patients' quality of life, he added.

Dr. Nguyen Huy Luan, head of the Vaccination Unit at the University Medical Center, highlighted that integrating vaccination into routine care, an approach the hospital has adopted since 2013 and expanded in 2021, helps reduce the risk of serious infections, supports chronic disease management, and eases pressure on the healthcare system.

Praising the medical center's integration of vaccination into chronic disease management, Professor Dr. Nguyen Van Vinh Chau, deputy director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health, called it an effective solution for preventing infectious diseases in older adults and those with underlying conditions.

He insisted on the need for medical associations, healthcare providers, and professionals to enhance communication and counseling on disease prevention through vaccination, especially for high-risk groups.