Lu Yihan: Vaccination Key to Protecting Seniors from Infectious Diseases

During the 6th China International Import Expo (CIIE), GSK, in collaboration with Xinhuanet Co., Ltd., hosted a roundtable conference themed "Healthy Aging, Prevention First." At the event, Professor Lu Yihan, Deputy Director of the Department of Epidemiology at Fudan University's School of Public Health, stated that as people age, their immunity gradually declines, and the risk of infectious diseases increases. These infectious diseases include influenza, various types of pneumonia, and shingles. Taking shingles as an example, data shows that each year, more than 1.5 million new cases of shingles occur among people aged 50 and above in China, significantly impacting daily life and mental well-being. Vaccination is one of the key and most effective measures for middle-aged and elderly individuals to prevent diseases. Despite substantial evidence supporting the benefits of vaccination and recommendations from numerous authoritative guidelines, the overall vaccination rates for influenza, pneumococcal disease, and shingles in China remain low. In recent years, the "Core Information on the Prevention of Elderly Disability" issued by China's National Health Commission also recommended that elderly individuals receive regular pneumococcal and shingles vaccines, and get the flu vaccine before flu season under medical guidance. Regarding vaccination, Professor Lu Yihan noted that many people with chronic underlying conditions are either unwilling or neglect to get vaccinated. It is necessary for clinical experts to bridge clinical practice and public health, educate patients, and promote timely vaccination among populations with chronic underlying conditions.