Experts talk about the prevention of respiratory infectious diseases- 3 situations need special attention in vaccination

As autumn and winter draw near, the likelihood of respiratory infections reaching a peak becomes a pressing concern. In a recent interview, Dr. Feng Luzhao, Vice Dean of the School of Public Health at Peking Union Medical College, shed light on three crucial points regarding vaccine contraindications. He emphasized that individuals with known allergies to certain vaccine components should refrain from getting vaccinated. Furthermore, those who are currently facing an acute exacerbation of a chronic illness or are in the acute phase of a disease should wait before receiving the vaccine. Additionally, he noted that people with immune deficiencies or immunosuppressive conditions should avoid live attenuated vaccines.

This discussion took place during a media salon in Beijing titled “Ensuring Health for the Elderly: A Focus on Respiratory Infectious Diseases in Autumn and Winter,” where experts shared strategies for older adults to guard against respiratory infections as the seasons change.

Dr. Feng pointed out that vaccines available for older adults include the influenza vaccine and the pneumococcal vaccine, while mentioning that the RSV vaccine has not yet been approved for use in China.

He recommended that the best time for vaccination is one to two months before the peak infection season. Typically, influenza vaccinations should be administered between September and November, ideally wrapping up by the end of October. Even if individuals miss this timing, getting vaccinated promptly remains beneficial, providing targeted protection.

Dr. Li Yanming, Director of the Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine at Beijing Hospital, elaborated on how respiratory infections primarily spread through two main routes: droplet transmission from the coughs or sneezes of an infected person, and contact transmission, which occurs through direct contact with an infected individual or contaminated surfaces before touching one’s face.

He stressed that older adults can adopt public health measures to shield themselves, such as wearing masks, washing hands frequently, maintaining social distance, practicing good cough etiquette, ensuring proper ventilation, avoiding large gatherings, and keeping their surroundings clean. Additionally, he reiterated that vaccination is one of the most effective means to prevent respiratory infections, as it enhances immunity to specific pathogens and decreases the risk of diseases that vaccines can prevent.