At the press conference of the Joint Prevention and Control Mechanism of the State Council on the afternoon of the 25th, the topic of vaccination of the elderly was repeatedly mentioned, which shows its importance. At present, the national epidemic is at a critical stage, and the situation of epidemic prevention and control is still severe and complicated. Although there are authoritative data showing that the incidence of adverse reactions in the elderly is lower than that of the young, many elderly people who have not been vaccinated still have many concerns. They are safe enough.
“Doing more with one’s heart” means that from ideological recognition to the formulation of measures, the elderly are given priority treatment. “From the current research data at home and abroad, the age of 60 is a very important node, which means that the same high-risk group of people over the age of 60 and over 65 is increasing. Therefore, we are 5 years earlier and pay more attention to the elderly. This group of people can avoid serious illness and death.” – Although these changes in the ninth edition of the diagnosis and treatment plan are small, they reflect the whole society’s sense of responsibility to protect the elderly. At present, the number of newly confirmed cases in the world has rebounded for the second consecutive week, and the number of new local infections in my country is still at a high level. Only when there are hidden dangers can we avoid the run on medical resources that may be caused by large-scale mass infection, and can prevent possible deaths such as the elderly or those with underlying diseases.
“Speaking clearly” requires not only authoritative interpretation by relevant departments, but also repeated publicity by grass-roots epidemic prevention personnel. possible adverse reactions. Since most of the elderly have underlying diseases, once infected with the new coronavirus, the risk of severe illness and death is higher than that of other groups. Vaccination can enhance resistance, and can also win the initiative for national epidemic prevention and control. All countries benefit. As for the reactions that will occur after vaccination, it should be stated that most cases will heal without special treatment; for some people who will experience extremely rare adverse reactions such as anaphylactic shock, the risk can be reduced to 30 minutes after vaccination. The lowest… To dispel the concerns of the elderly, grass-roots personnel need to pay more attention and patience, and explain more about vaccine knowledge through online and offline methods, visits to households, etc. For example, there are currently more than 264 million elderly people aged 60 and above nationwide, of which More than 212 million people have been vaccinated in the whole process. Judging from the results, the incidence of adverse reactions in the elderly is lower than that in other age groups.
“To be in place”, one is to take measures to protect the elderly who cannot be vaccinated due to special circumstances. In addition to teaching them to protect themselves, it is also very important for those around them to do personal protection. It is important to advocate that there are elderly people in the family and people who come into contact with the elderly to be vaccinated, which is also a kind of protection for the elderly. The second is to provide various services for the elderly who have decided to be vaccinated, including arranging doctors to answer contraindications, etc., and providing convenience through door-to-door appointments in the community, special vehicles for vaccines entering the community, etc. There have been successful experiences in various places, and it is an important part of building a group defense line.
Since my country has done a good job in epidemic prevention and control, my country’s vaccination strategy is to follow high-risk groups and key groups, and finally gradually transition to the elderly over 60 years old, which has resulted in a very low vaccination rate for the elderly. The new crown pneumonia is not a “big flu”, and the epidemic of the Omicron strain is still very serious. Vaccination can effectively reduce the risk of severe illness and death in the elderly. Therefore, scientifically accurate and persistent efforts to prevent and control the epidemic, It is necessary to provide key protection for the elderly, carefully study the characteristics and practical concerns of the elderly, and carry out work in a targeted manner, in order to make up for this shortcoming of my country’s immune barrier.
(Text｜Zhao Jing)