FEDE Launches Immunization 2023 Campaign to Combat Misinformation and Increase Vaccination Rates among People with Chronic Diseases

FEDE Launches “Immunization 2023” Campaign to Combat Misinformation on Vaccination among People with Chronic Diseases

The Spanish Diabetes Federation (FEDE) has initiated a campaign called “Immunization 2023” to address the prevailing misinformation about vaccination among individuals with chronic diseases in Spain, particularly those with diabetes.

The campaign aims to increase vaccination rates and prevent chronic patients from contracting preventable diseases that can lead to more severe complications. In Spain, there are approximately 20 million people with chronic diseases, of which nearly six million are diabetic.

Health experts from FEDE and patient representatives have warned about the risks faced by individuals who choose not to get vaccinated. Infectious diseases can have far more severe consequences for people with chronic diseases compared to those without such conditions, increasing the likelihood of hospitalization.

Dr. Isabel Jimeno Sanz, head of the vaccine group at the Spanish Society of General and Family Physicians (SEMG), emphasized the benefits of vaccination for patients with chronic diseases like diabetes. For instance, the risk of hospital admission for pneumococcal pneumonia is 39 times higher for these patients. The risk is also elevated for other infections such as the flu or herpes zoster. Dr. Sanz emphasized that vaccination is not only beneficial for the entire population but even more so for those with chronic conditions like diabetes.

One of the prevailing myths surrounding vaccination is the belief among certain individuals with chronic diseases, including diabetes, that it is preferable to avoid getting vaccinated for “mild” illnesses. However, the reality is that the flu, perceived as a mild illness, causes approximately 6,300 deaths in Spain each year. The flu vaccine is about 70% effective and significantly reduces the likelihood of developing severe complications associated with the disease. Therefore, annual vaccination is particularly recommended for individuals with diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, hemophilia, or morbid obesity. Being vaccinated against the flu reduces the chances of hospitalization by six times and decreases the risk of dying from pneumonia by seven times for people with diabetes.

Another widespread myth is that immunization through infection with a disease is superior to vaccination. However, this belief is entirely false. While vaccination may cause a similar immune response to infectious diseases, it does so without the potential consequences and serious complications associated with the actual disease. People with diabetes are 39 times more likely to be hospitalized for pneumococcal pneumonia, a preventable disease through a simple vaccine. Additionally, even a mild illness can lead to insulin resistance and glycemic variations in these patients.

Vaccines play a crucial role in preventing deaths associated with preventable diseases worldwide, with the World Health Organization (WHO) estimating that vaccines prevent nearly three million deaths annually. Currently, there are over 40 vaccinations available for the prevention of 25 avoidable infectious diseases. These vaccines are particularly beneficial for individuals belonging to high-risk populations, such as those with diabetes.

Furthermore, vaccines contribute to significant savings in healthcare expenditure, with every euro invested in vaccines resulting in 22 euros of savings. This includes five euros in direct healthcare costs and 17 euros in indirect costs.

For individuals with diabetes and those belonging to high-risk populations, vaccination is recommended against diseases such as the flu, pneumococcus, whooping cough, hepatitis B, and herpes zoster, among others.

FEDE’s “Immunization 2023” campaign, in collaboration with GSK, MSD, and Sanofi, will share interactive resources created for the campaign. The objective is to raise awareness and sensitize individuals with diabetes and their communities about the importance of vaccination as a preventive measure against infectious diseases. The campaign also highlights the potential serious consequences of unvaccinated individuals with diabetes, emphasizing the long-term impact on their quality of life.

In conclusion, FEDE’s “Immunization 2023” campaign aims to combat

How does vaccination compare to natural infection in terms of providing immunity and preventing severe complications for individuals with chronic diseases

On provides immunity without the risk of developing severe complications, being infected by a disease can lead to serious health consequences, especially for those with chronic conditions. Vaccination is a safer and more effective way to build immunity and protect individuals from potentially life-threatening diseases.

The “Immunization 2023” campaign by FEDE aims to educate and debunk these common myths surrounding vaccination among people with chronic diseases, particularly diabetes. The campaign will focus on raising awareness about the benefits of vaccination and encouraging individuals to get vaccinated to prevent severe complications.

FEDE and its health experts stress the importance of vaccination for chronic disease patients. Vaccination can significantly reduce the risk of hospitalization and complications associated with preventable diseases. Dr. Sanz highlights that the risk of hospital admission for pneumococcal pneumonia is much higher for chronic disease patients, and the risk is also elevated for other infections such as the flu or herpes zoster. Vaccines not only benefit the entire population but are especially crucial for those with chronic conditions like diabetes.

The campaign also aims to address the misconception that some individuals with chronic diseases believe it is better to avoid vaccination for “mild” illnesses. In reality, diseases like the flu can have severe consequences and cause thousands of deaths in Spain each year. Vaccination significantly reduces the likelihood of developing severe complications associated with the flu, making it essential for individuals with diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, hemophilia, or morbid obesity. It can reduce the chances of hospitalization and the risk of dying from pneumonia for people with diabetes.

Moreover, the campaign will tackle the myth that natural infection provides superior immunity compared to vaccination. This belief is entirely false, as vaccination provides immunity without the risks associated with developing severe complications from the disease itself. Vaccination is a safe and effective way to build immunity, protect against diseases, and prevent severe health consequences.

By launching the “Immunization 2023” campaign, FEDE hopes to combat misinformation, raise awareness, and increase vaccination rates among people with chronic diseases in Spain. Vaccination is a crucial preventive measure that can save lives and improve the overall health outcomes of chronic disease patients.