Awareness campaign: Pilgrims to be vaccinated for pneumonia

Pfizer Pakistan Limited as introduced an awareness campaign against pneumonia in an effort to educate the masses about the hazards of pneumonia and pneumococcal infections.

According to a company press release, the campaign covers various facets, including prevention through vaccination in adults above the age of 50 as well as children less than five years of age. The campaign will also highlight the importance of vaccination against the disease during Hajj and Umrah.

Pneumonia in the elderly during Hajj is a point of concern for all developing nations, including Pakistan. It is estimated that, over 150,000 perform Hajj annually and over 50% of the pilgrims are over the age of 50. At the launch of this campaign, Dr Syed Nadeem Rizvi, former president of the Pakistan Chest Society, said that vaccination should be offered to all the pilgrims above the age of 50 and all young people with chronic conditions.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 12^th, 2012.