Vietnam is entering a period of rapid population aging. For the elderly group with underlying diseases such as bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cardiovascular disease, diabetes or immunodeficiency, proactive prevention of infectious diseases is increasingly becoming an important part of comprehensive healthcare.
With age, the immune system gradually declines due to the process of immune aging, making the elderly more susceptible to infectious diseases and at risk of facing serious complications, especially when there are underlying diseases.
RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is a typical example of a pathogen that is not understood and properly addressed in the elderly. RSV causes a high burden of disease for the elderly in Vietnam.
In our country, it is estimated according to the forecast model that in 5 years there will be about 4.6 million acute respiratory cases due to RSV in adults aged 60 and over. In which, according to the definition in this model: About 200,000 hospitalizations and nearly 18,000 deaths due to lower respiratory diseases caused by RSV.
At the scientific conference "RSV in the elderly: Potential burdens in patients with underlying diseases and the value of vaccination" organized by the Vietnam Geriatric Association in coordination with GSK Vietnam, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Quang Thai, Deputy Head of the Department of Infectious Disease Control, National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, said: "As age increases, the phenomenon of immune aging can reduce the body's ability to respond to pathogens, making the elderly and people with underlying diseases at higher risk of infectious diseases and infections.
In that context, advances in vaccine research and development, including the application of adjuvant technology, contribute to supporting enhanced immune response in high-risk populations.
From clinical practice, Dr. Doan Thu Tra, Acting Director of the Institute of Tropical Medicine, Bach Mai Hospital shared: "To better protect elderly people with underlying diseases, we have integrated vaccination counseling into routine health care points. When examining cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, kidney, geriatrics and for patients preparing to be discharged from the hospital or for patients preparing for organ transplants to prevent infectious diseases.
Medical staff will review the vaccination history and assess the health status, underlying diseases, and risk factors of each patient, thereby advising on appropriate vaccines according to current professional guidelines" - Dr. Tra said.
Regarding the danger and complex complications of RSV, Professor David Halpin, Exeter University Medical School, UK; Member of the Board of Directors and Scientific Committee of GOLD updated: "Currently, international recommendations emphasize protecting groups at risk of severe progression due to RSV, especially the elderly and people with chronic diseases such as COPD or cardiovascular disease by vaccination. This content is also reflected in professional guidelines around the world, including recommendations from GOLD and the US CDC".
