The Unseen Booklet: A Missed prospect

Santo Domingo—Despite the Dominican RepublicS Ministry of Public Health providing a vaccination booklet specifically tailored for older adults, awareness of its existence remains strikingly low. This deficiency, according to health experts, constitutes a critically important impediment to effective health promotion and disease prevention within the aging population.

Immunosenescence: The Age Factor

Dr.Alexandra Castillo, president of the Dominican Society of Geriatrics, addressed this critical issue during a conference organized by Pfizer, emphasizing the importance of immunization across all life stages, particularly for seniors. She explained the science behind the heightened vulnerability of older adults:

It is normal for the immune system to decrease its capacity with age, a phenomenon known as immunosenescence. Because of this very reason, older adults are more susceptible to infectious diseases, and vaccines play a crucial role in their protection.
Dr. Alexandra Castillo, President of the Dominican Society of Geriatrics

Immunosenescence refers to the gradual deterioration of the immune system associated with advancing age. This decline makes older individuals more susceptible to infections and less responsive to vaccines, underscoring the need for targeted immunization strategies.

the Call for a Vaccination Culture

Dr. Castillo lamented the absence of a robust vaccination culture among older adults in the Dominican Republic, despite the availability of the dedicated vaccination booklet. She stressed the potentially life-saving impact of preventative measures:

Vaccinating our older adults considerably reduces the risk of diseases such as pneumonia, which is frequently enough fatal in this population.
Dr.Alexandra Castillo, President of the Dominican Society of Geriatrics

Pneumonia, an inflammatory condition of the lungs, poses a significant threat to older adults due to their weakened immune systems. Vaccination against pneumococcal bacteria can substantially reduce the risk of contracting this potentially deadly illness.

Recommended Vaccines for Seniors

Health officials recommend several key vaccines for older adults to protect against common and potentially severe illnesses. These include:

• Influenza vaccine
• Pneumococcus vaccine
• Diphtheria and tetanus vaccine
• Herpes Zóster vaccine (Shingles)

Regarding the Herpes Zóster vaccine, Dr. Castillo issued a specific warning:

Herpes Zóster can cause serious complications, such as postherpetic neuralgia, which causes intense and prolonged pain.
Dr. Alexandra castillo, President of the Dominican Society of Geriatrics

She recommended the Herpes Zoster vaccine for individuals aged 50 and older. Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a debilitating condition characterized by chronic pain that can persist for months or even years after a shingles outbreak. Vaccination significantly reduces the risk of developing shingles and PHN.

immunocompromised Individuals: A Special Case

Dr.Héctor Balcácer, an infectologist, highlighted the importance of vaccination for individuals taking high-cost medications to manage conditions such as psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus.He explained the rationale behind this recommendation:

These medications can weaken the immune system, which increases the risk of infections.
Dr.Héctor Balcácer, infectologist

Immunosuppressant medications, while effective in treating autoimmune diseases, can compromise the body’s ability to fight off infections. Vaccination can provide crucial protection against vaccine-preventable illnesses in these vulnerable individuals.

accessibility: Free Vaccines Available Nationwide

Dr. Roberto Nina, president of the Dominican Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology, emphasized the accessibility of vaccines in the Dominican Republic, noting that in the country there are 2,000 centers that offers free vaccines. This widespread availability underscores the importance of raising awareness and encouraging older adults to take advantage of these resources.