Abu Dhabi - Individuals with damaged spleen, ones who have had their spleen removed, ones with weakened immune system should also be taking this vaccine to protect themselves against pneumococcal diseases, the health authority said.
Published: Mon 22 Aug 2016, 4:18 PM
Abu Dhabi Health Authority has asked Haj pilgrims, who are over 65 years of age to take pneumococcal vaccine shot in order to boost their immune system.
Pneumococcal Vaccine is recommended for people as old as 65 years and above, the Abu Dhabi Health Authority said. Added to that, young people suffering from chronic diseases like diabetes, heart diseases (except high blood pressure), lung diseases (including asthma), liver diseases, and kidney diseases should also be getting vaccinated.
Individuals with damaged spleen, ones who have had their spleen removed, ones with weakened immune system should also be taking this vaccine to protect themselves against pneumococcal diseases, the health authority said.
People who have had bone marrow transplant or are on chemotherapy, those with genetic conditions that affect the immune system are also advised to take shot.
"The pneumococcal vaccine helps to protect against infections caused by pneumococcus. This includes pneumonia, meningitis and septicaemia. It does so by stimulating the body to produce antibodies against the pneumococcal bacteria," says Dr Rowena Eadie, the family medicine specialist at Dubai's Symbiosis Medical Centre.
The vaccine is recommended for those with chronic respiratory disease, e.g. emphysema, chronic bronchitis and cystic fibrosis; Diabetics who require insulin or oral hypoglycaemic medication; patients with chronic heart disease, including congenital heart disease and chronic heart failure. She said Patients with chronic kidney disease including nephrotic syndrome, renal transplant patients and those on kidney dialysis must take this vaccine, she recommended.
She said: "People with chronic liver disease, e.g. chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis can have this vaccine."
"If patients are concerned that they may be at risk for pneumococcal infection, they should contact their family doctor to discuss whether or not the vaccine is meant for them," Dr Rowena said.
The pneumococcus bacterium disease kills 500,000 children who are less than five years old each year, according to the World Health Organization.
This year, millions of Muslims are travelling to Makkah, to perform the annual ritual of Haj, where they will stay for 15-30 days. They come from different regions, belong to varied age groups, as a result of which they may suffer from different health problems if they don't take precautions, the health authority said.
HAAD's Haj vaccination program was developed to ensure healthy travelling and to protect travelers from being infected with infectious diseases.
This month, HAAD said there are several vaccines available for Haj travelers:
Meningococcal Vaccine: It is mandatory for all Haj travellers for protection against meningitis.
Seasonal influenza vaccine: This is a highly recommended vaccine to reduce the risk of flu.
General tips for Haj travelers:
HAAD has advised pilgrims to consider these issues:
Take the vaccines at least two weeks before travelling
Visit the doctor before travelling
Take with you a first aid kit that include sterile gauze pads, adhesive tape, and antiseptic wipes
During the trip, wash your hand regularly by soap or hand sanitizer, especially:
Before and after eating
After using toilet
After coughing
After sneezing
Drink plenty of fluids and juices
haseeb@khaleejtimes.com
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