00:00There are about 2.5 million deaths globally, according to the WHO, caused by respiratory infections.
00:13In a note issued by the Ministry of Health in terms of prevention and control of the flu,
00:18it is read that in Italy, the flu and pneumonia associated with it are classified among the first ten main causes of death.
00:26In spite of the data, however, Italy ranks between 16th and 17th in 28 European countries
00:32for vaccination coverage in different age groups, according to the ECDC report.
00:38This was mentioned in an event organized in Rome by Pfizer, which brought together a task force of experts
00:44to focus on the most effective prevention strategies against seasonal respiratory infections.
00:50Many viruses and many bacteria can cause respiratory infections,
00:55but there are some of these that manifest themselves in a more serious way,
01:00and among the viruses, certainly the influenza viruses, obviously COVID,
01:05but the syncytial respiratory virus is a virus that often affects adults,
01:13and just as influenza and COVID can cause extremely serious manifestations
01:18that can lead to hospitalization, intensive care, and even in a small number of cases,
01:26in Italy it is estimated that there are at least 2,000 deaths a year due to the syncytial respiratory virus.
01:34During the meeting, Pfizer launched the campaign Get Used to Protecting Yourself,
01:39an initiative authorized by the Ministry of Health in support of an integrated approach to prevention,
01:44with particular attention to the most at-risk categories, such as the elderly and people with immune disabilities.
01:51We know the costs in terms of human lives.
01:55Influenza causes about 8,000 deaths a year, as well as COVID and RSV,
02:03perhaps a few lives less, but certainly a fairly high number of hospitalizations.
02:10The challenge is to be able to cover the elderly and fragile population
02:15for all infectious and respiratory pathologies that can have a vaccine prevention.
02:22During the meeting organized in Rome, the key role of general medicine and pharmacies
02:29in promoting prevention to raise awareness of the population and facilitate access to preventive measures.
02:36We really need a return of trust in vaccination,
02:41which is and remains a fundamental element to ensure that the pathologies are as less impactful as possible.
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