Go big to fight pneumonia, says MMA

PETALING JAYA: Nationwide vaccination is a way to reduce the alarming rise of pneumonia-related deaths, says the Malaysian Medical Association.

Its president Datuk Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira said pneumococcal vaccines should be included in the national immunisation programme, particularly for the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.

“Pneumococcal pneumonia causes significant morbidity and mortality; vaccination is one way to reduce this.

“In addition to pneumonia, pneumococcal bacteria also can cause meningitis, and the pneumococcal vaccination protects against this too,” he said in an interview yesterday.

Dr Kalwinder said the pneumococcal vaccine effectively reduces mortality and morbidity in high-risk groups.

“Patients with pneumococcal pneumonia may end up with extended stays in hospital and require longer treatment periods.

“Vaccination and prevention can reduce this and allow services and facilities to be used to care for other diseases,” he added.

He stressed the need for increased resources to support respiratory health initiatives and said further investment is essential to meet national needs.

“The Health Ministry’s Lung Health Initiative is a promising beginning.

“I believe more investment and greater public education are needed to enhance health outcomes.

“The public must be informed about when to consult a doctor or seek emergency medical care, as delays can worsen symptoms and lead to poorer health outcomes,” he said.

Dr Kalwinder also warned that the rise in pneumonia-related deaths should not be misconstrued as a decline in other causes of death.

“Pneumonia has various causes and affects both children and adults, with the elderly being particularly vulnerable,” he said, adding that the severity in immunocompromised individuals, including those with diabetes, is even higher.

He called on Malaysians, especially children, the elderly and the immunocompromised, to get vaccinated where available.