ATLANTA – A government panel has recommended vaccination especially for smokers, for the very first time. The panel decided that, smokers under 65 should get pneumococcal vaccine.
The shot is already recommended for adults aged 65 or older and provides protection against pneumonia, meningitis and other illnesses.
Studies have already proven that smokers higher degree than nonsmokers to suffer pneumococcal disease. Also, the number of cigarettes someone smokes each day is directly proportional to odds of developing illnesses.
The reason for, why smokers are highly susceptible is not exactly known. But some scientists believe, because smoking cause damage to lung which provide bacteria an atmosphere to attack lungs and trachea (windpipe).
Pneumococcal infections are top killer among vaccine-preventable diseases. It’s an advanced complication of influenza, specifically in the elderly. It is also responsible for, around 36,000 deaths per year.
The committee voted 11 to 3 to pass the suggestion. The panel also added a call for smoking cessation counseling.
Some members said, they should recommend vaccine for smoker who age 40 or above because pneumococcal infections are rare in young smoker. Others at the meeting made the same argument.
Dr. James Turner, at the University of Virginia, said, “About one in five college students’ smoke but I have never seen a case of serious pneumococcal disease in a student body. I wonder how many young people are truly benefiting from this recommendation.”
