Is there a vaccine for viral pneumonia?

Is there a vaccine for viral pneumonia?

Dear reader,

There are several viruses that can cause pneumonia. And of these, the most common ones that can be prevented by vaccination are the influenza virus and the respiratory syncytial virus (Rsv). The Rsv vaccine is indicated for the prevention of serious lower respiratory tract infections caused by this virus, especially in the winter season.

Pneumonia then, but not only: another example can be bronchiolitis (inflammation and congestion of the final part of the bronchi). These infections are dangerous especially for newborns and the elderly as well as for those individuals affected by conditions that increase the risk of contracting serious forms: chronic respiratory or cardiac diseases, immunosuppression, etc. For newborns and infants, prevention is implemented not with a vaccine but with a monoclonal antibody, which acts in a similar way, and has demonstrated in the field an efficacy of around 85-90% in preventing hospitalizations for bronchiolitis in newborns facing the first RSV season. For subjects aged 60 and over, there is a specific vaccination for the prevention of lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV. Currently in Italy three vaccines are authorized: a bivalent recombinant, an adjuvanted recombinant and another mRNA; all involve the administration of a single dose intramuscularly in subjects aged 60 or over. This vaccination is not currently among those on free offer.

*Giancarlo Icardi is the Coordinator of the Scientific Committee of the Italian Society of Hygiene (SItI).

The information provided is intended for informational purposes only: it does not in any way constitute medical advice and cannot replace diagnoses or treatment indications recommended by your doctor or specialist.