Brief news. November 24, 2024

As part of World Pneumonia Day, the Forum of Scientific Societies, held at the University of Barcelona and endorsed by the Spanish Society of Pneumology and Thoracic Surgery (Separ), brought together experts to address this serious disease, which is the fourth leading cause of death in the world according to WHO. Experts emphasized There is a need to increase public awareness about vaccination and available preventive measures.

Dr. Antoni Torres, Professor Emeritus of the University of Barcelona, ​​emphasized the importance protect older people and at-risk groups through vaccination against respiratory pathogens such as pneumococcus, influenza, Covid-19 and respiratory syncytial virus. For his part, Dr. Antoni Trilla from the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona highlighted the low level of pneumococcal vaccination in adults, in contrast to the high levels in children, pointing out the need for improved communication and vaccination strategies.

In addition, the event highlighted the potential of new extended-valency pneumococcal conjugate vaccines, such as VCN20, to improve prevention in different age groups. Experts also highlighted the underuse of antiviral drugs to treat Covid-19 among vulnerable groups, calling for increased early diagnosis and access to these treatments.