Pfizer emphasizes need for vigilance against pneumococcal disease; launches vaccine for adults

Pfizer emphasizes need for vigilance against pneumococcal disease; launches vaccine for adults

 

Pfizer Inc. has officially launched in the Philippines its pneumococcal vaccine for adults aged 50 years old and above,  amid statistics showing that pneumonia, the most common type of pneumococcal disease, is still the leading cause of morbidity and the 5th leading cause of mortality in the country.

 

In a press conference, Dr. Rontgene M. Solante, president of the Philippine Society of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (PSMID) said that Filipinos aged 50 and above accounted for 88% of deaths due to pneumonia. “Often, pneumococcal disease attacks individuals with compromised immune systems and these are usually adults who are already suffering from other conditions,” he added.

 

Dr. Solante added that individuals who suffer from Pneumonia and other pneumococcal diseases experience a decreased quality of life as it could also lead to paralysis, mental retardation, seizures, learning disabilities and hearing loss. He noted it is often the individual’s disregard for symptoms of the pneumonia, most often due to lack of knowledge of the disease, which leads to death.

 

“We highly encourage individuals, especially those who are 50 years old and above, to visit their doctors and learn and understand more about pneumococcal disease. Understanding is the first step to fighting the disease,” shared Dr. Solante. “Once individuals understand the disease, they will also learn that pneumonia is actually a vaccine-preventable disease.”

 

“This is particularly important for adults 50 and above whose immune systems have weakened leaving the body susceptible to more diseases,” says Dr. Joe Schmitt, Senior Director for Scientific Affairs (Vaccines) of Pfizer, and a speaker at the press conference.

 

 

The pneumococcal vaccine of Pfizer has been available in the country since 2010 for use in children ages 2 to 5 years old and is now approved for adults 50 years old and above in the Philippines since November 2011. The adult indication was  approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) last October 2011 and the US. Food and Drug Administration last December 2011.

 

“In the pharmaceutical industry, constant scientific breakthroughs are vital in discovering more efficient and effective medicine to save lives. That’s why in Pfizer, we are fully committed to the continuous search of modern-day miracles – to develop and provide for such cures or vaccines,” shares Patricia Pascual, Pfizer Public Affairs Director. “This is of great priority – we are dedicated to staying true to the enduring values of the global brand.”

 

Dr. Solante noted that here in the Philippines, it is important to make vaccination a family concern, especially since pneumonia can be acquired by anyone in the family. “Filipinos are very close to their families so we encourage everyone to make vaccination, especially against pneumonia, a family initiative. Encourage your family members to visit their doctors.”

 

 

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Pneumococcal Disease

Pneumococcal disease is a group of infections caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae, also known as pneumococcus. The most common manifestation of PD in adults 50 years of age and older is non-bacteremic pneumococcal pneumonia, a non-invasive form of the disease. PD also causes invasive infections, such as bacteremia and meningitis, in adults.

           

Pfizer Inc.: Working together for a healthier world™

At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to improve health and well-being at every stage of life. We strive to set the standard for quality, safety and value in the discovery, development and manufacturing of medicines for people and animals. Our diversified global health care portfolio includes human and animal biologic and small molecule medicines and vaccines, as well as nutritional products and many of the world’s best-known consumer products. Every day, Pfizer colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention, treatments and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. Consistent with our responsibility as the world’s leading biopharmaceutical company, we also collaborate with health care providers, governments and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable health care around the world. For more than 150 years, Pfizer has worked to make a difference for all who rely on us. To learn more about our commitments, please visit us at www.pf

Cor

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I am a single mom of all boys. I love cars, food, traveling and anything in between.

One thought on “Pfizer emphasizes need for vigilance against pneumococcal disease; launches vaccine for adults

  1. Thanks for posting this. We moms, especially us single moms, sometimes neglect our own health. We must realize that we should also care for ourselves if we want to be able to effectively care for our kids.

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