On the eve of World Pneumonia Day, which is celebrated on 12 November, the Alliance for the Control of Infectious Respiratory Diseases (Poland Healthy Breathing) has published a position statement highlighting the need for increased prevention of infectious respiratory diseases. Patient organisations representing the PZO Alliance called for the prioritisation of vaccination of adults, especially the elderly and at-risk groups, as a key public health measure.
In the document, the Alliance makes recommendations to improve the availability of vaccinations across the country. Key recommendations include reducing vaccination procedures to a single visit, allowing home vaccinations and increasing the involvement of pharmacists and nurses in the delivery of vaccination programmes. The organisations also highlighted the need to develop digital tools and vaccination monitoring systems that could facilitate the management and reminder of vaccination appointments.
One of the demands is to grant a day off to vaccinators to encourage regular immunization. "Immunisation is one of the most effective tools in the fight against infectious diseases, preventing up to five million deaths each year from diseases such as pneumococcal pneumonia, whooping cough, influenza and COVID-19. It is also one of the most cost-effective medical procedures, as it prevents serious complications such as pneumonia, significantly reducing hospitalisation costs. Vaccination is considered the most effective form of protection against respiratory diseases." - argue the document's signatories.
Patient organisations affiliated to the Poland Healthy Breathing Alliance call on decision-makers to implement the proposed measures that will ensure equal access to immunization in Poland and contribute to achieving the WHO's goals for infectious disease prevention by 2030.
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The Alliance for Respiratory Infectious Disease Control, 'Poland Healthy Breathing', was established in 2021. The initiative brings together a number of patient and health organisations, such as the Institute for Patient Rights and Health Education, the Polish Diabetes Association, the Federation of Amazon Associations and the National Association of Patients with Heart and Vascular Diseases EcoSerce. The Alliance works to prevent infectious respiratory diseases by promoting prevention and health education. The aim of the Alliance is to develop systemic solutions and identify long-term priorities in the fight against the threats posed by infectious diseases such as influenza, pneumococcus, COVID-19, RSV or other respiratory infections.
The PZO Alliance, supported by experts in fields such as medicine, sociology or public health, organises regular educational meetings for patients, including lectures as part of Third Age Universities. In addition, it publishes reports and analyses on prevention and health challenges related to respiratory diseases.