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Dr Kasim Ardati

Bahrain hospital to run adult immunization drive

MANAMA, May 28, 2019

Bahrain Specialist Hospital is launching an “Adult Immunization Campaign” which will educate the masses on the importance of getting vaccinated.

As part of the campaign, hospital will provide vaccinations at special prices; hold several public awareness events across malls, corporate, communities and at special events.

Through complete vaccination adults can be protected against 14 deadly diseases such as Influenza (Flu), Rubella, Mumps, Tetanus, Measles, Chicken-Pox, HPV, Whooping Cough, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis A, Meningococcal, Diphtheria, and Pneumococcal disease.

“Bahrain Specialist Hospital has taken the cause very seriously and is at the forefront of creating awareness amongst masses about the benefits of immunization among adults as well as children. Millions of hospitalizations, hundreds of thousands of deaths and tens of thousands of chronic illnesses and permanent disabilities can be prevented by just following the immunization schedule,” commented Dr Kasim Ardati, managing director and consultant Pediatrics Infectious Disease – Bahrain Specialist Hospital.

“Moreover, it will also curtail the spread of diseases to the most vulnerable groups. The good news is Bahrain is doing great with almost 100% immunization rate for children and is on its way to be declared a measles free nation by year 2020 which is first in the region.”

To further highlight the matter, this year’s World Immunization Week campaign led by WHO underlined the importance of community in establishing herd immunity, increasing vaccination education and uptake, and countering vaccine hesitancy.

Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) remains a leading infectious cause of serious illness among older adults resulting in hospitalization or death. Pneumococcal disease can cause severe infections of the lungs (pneumonia), bloodstream (bacteremia), and lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis). Vaccinations are the best way to prevent pneumococcal disease.

“All adults need an influenza vaccine every year. However, it’s advisable to consult your healthcare provider as there may be additional vaccines recommended for a person depending on his/her specific health status, age, and lifestyle,” said Dr Kasim Ardati.

“Many a times, adults avoid immunization due to financial concerns. However, in reality more people falling sick from preventable diseases adds a burden on the healthcare system and economy in general and patient in particular, due to the expense on treatments.”

The International Federation on Ageing (IFA) believes that vaccination in at-risk groups is an important area of focus, as vaccination has the potential to mitigate higher rates of morbidity and mortality in at-risk populations and enable those who are vulnerable to age in better health. Globally, among adults over the age 70, vaccine-preventable infections such as influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia were the fifth leading cause of death in 2017.

Doctors advise that every adult should also get the Tdap vaccine once if they did not receive it as an adolescent to protect against pertussis (whooping cough), and then a Td (tetanus, diphtheria) booster shot every 10 years. In addition, women should get the Tdap vaccine each time they are pregnant, preferably at 27 through 36 weeks.

Throughout the adult life, people need immunizations for protection against:

•    Seasonal influenza (flu) for all children and adults
•    Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough) for all adults who have not previously received a Tdap vaccine
•    Shingles vaccine is recommended but is not available in Bahrain
•    Pneumococcal for adults age 65 years and older and adults with risk conditions
•    Hepatitis B for adults who have diabetes or are at risk
•    Other vaccinations you need include those that protect against HPV (human papillomavirus, which can cause certain cancers), hepatitis A, meningococcal disease, chickenpox (varicella), and measles, mumps, and rubella.

“Unfortunately, in the recent major measles outbreak in US hundreds of people, mostly small children were infected by the super contagious virus, which was easily avoidable, had some people not rejected the vaccines because of unfounded safety concerns. We must realize that the benefits of getting vaccinated far outweigh the side effects, if any,” concluded Dr Ardati. – TradeArabia News Service




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