As winter temperatures gradually decrease, the incidence of various infectious diseases increases. Among these, middle-aged and elderly populations are at higher risk for contracting influenza, pneumococcal diseases, and shingles due to a decline in immune function.During a recent symposium themed "Strengthening Immunity: Building a Healthy Family Defense Together," multiple experts called for greater public awareness of disease prevention. They emphasized the importance of active vaccination to protect against infectious diseases and boost the immunity of individuals and their families.
Strengthening family immunity is a crucial component in building a robust health defense for the family. The "Basic Knowledge and Skills of Health Literacy for Chinese Citizens (2024 Edition)" particularly emphasizes the importance of vaccination, highlighting it as one of the most economical and effective means of disease prevention. The National Health Commission also recommends in the "Core Information on the Prevention of Disability in Older Adults" that to reduce the incidence of disability in seniors, older adults should receive pneumococcal and shingles vaccines. Furthermore, it is advised that seniors get vaccinated against influenza before the flu season begins, under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
Wu Jing, Director of the National Center for Chronic and Noncommunicable Disease Control and Prevention at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Dr. Wu Jing, Director of the National Center for Chronic and Noncommunicable Disease Control and Prevention at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC), introduced that during the high season for infectious diseases, we need to enhance our ability to prevent these infections through vaccination. By improving immunity, we can achieve the goal of preventing disease occurrence. Young children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic diseases—who all have more fragile immune functions—are key groups that require strengthened immunity.
We encourage families to strengthen their health awareness as a fundamental unit, participating together in vaccination and health management. This collective approach helps reduce health risks and builds a protective health barrier for family members. By vaccinating middle-aged and elderly individuals, especially those with chronic diseases, against appropriate infections, we can effectively prevent the spread of related infectious diseases. This preventive measure can lead to reduced hospitalizations and treatment costs associated with these illnesses, thereby easing the caregiving burden on family members and alleviating financial pressures on the family. This strategy not only promotes individual well-being but also contributes to the overall health and economic stability of the family unit. Through proactive health management and vaccination, families can safeguard their loved ones and create a healthier environment for all members.
Wang Xinfang, Chief Physician in the Department of Geriatric Medicine at Shijingshan Hospital in Beijing
Dr. Wang Xinfang, Chief Physician in the Department of Geriatric Medicine at Shijingshan Hospital in Beijing, introduced that individuals aged 50 and older in China are a high-risk group for shingles, with approximately 1.56 million new cases occurring annually within this demographic. Shingles can lead to severe and long-lasting complications, the most common being postherpetic neuralgia, which can persist for months or even years, significantly impacting the patient's quality of life.
Simultaneously, contracting shingles often comes with additional complications, as the middle-aged and elderly frequently face "compounded" risks. According to statistics released by the National Health Commission, 75% of individuals aged 60 and above have at least one chronic disease, and 43% suffer from two or more chronic conditions. Compared to the general population, patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are at significantly higher risk for developing shingles, and they experience more pronounced postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).
For individuals with chronic conditions, contracting shingles can further complicate their existing health issues and increase medical costs. For example, when diabetic patients develop shingles, it becomes even more challenging to manage blood sugar levels, which underscores the critical importance of vaccination. Vaccination is necessary not only to prevent shingles but also to mitigate the potential exacerbation of underlying chronic illnesses and reduce the complexity of treatment and associated healthcare expenses. This highlights the need for enhanced awareness of preventive measures among those with chronic diseases and emphasizes the role of vaccinations in protecting vulnerable populations from the added burden of shingles and its complications.
Wang Hong, Director of the Chaoyangmen Community Health Service Center in Dongcheng District, Beijing
Dr. Wang Hong, Director of the Chaoyangmen Community Health Service Center in Dongcheng District, Beijing, explains that currently, vaccination has become a public health service that covers the entire population and spans the entire lifecycle. Through vaccination, significant disease prevention outcomes have been achieved. For infectious diseases like shingles, "prevention is better than cure." In daily life, it's important to adjust one's lifestyle by maintaining regular sleep schedules, eating a balanced diet, and continuously enhancing personal immunity.
In addition to lifestyle adjustments, vaccination is also a crucial measure for middle-aged and elderly individuals to acquire specific immunity and prevent diseases. It's common for this age group to have concerns about whether they can receive vaccinations due to chronic illnesses. However, with proper timing and scientific assessment, it is possible for them to get vaccinated. Dr. Wang recommends that middle-aged and elderly individuals should consider their own health conditions and actively choose and receive appropriate vaccinations under the guidance of professional doctors. This not only protects personal health but also safeguards the health of the entire family.
Olympic gold medalist in women's butterfly swimming and Associate Professor at Sun Yat-sen University's Physical Education Department, Jiao Liu Yang, has also become an ambassador for health promotion. She advocates for a family-based approach to enhancing immunity through measures such as vaccination and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. By actively adopting these practices, families can build a robust defense against diseases. Moreover, Jiao encourages adult children to lead their family members in establishing a scientific understanding of health and disease prevention. This initiative aims to help middle-aged and elderly family members take proactive steps in safeguarding their health and improving their ability to prevent diseases. Such actions are not only responsible for personal well-being but also contribute to the happiness and health of the entire family.
