The actuality of preventing influenza and pneumococcal infection during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

The article discusses the issues of vaccine prevention of influenza and pneumococcal infections during the ongoing pandemic of the new coronavirus infection COVID-19. Statistical data on the prevalence of these infections at the current time are provided. Co-infection can increase the symptoms of the diseases in these cases, and managing this condition is important for certain groups of patients. Respiratory viruses induce the attachment of pneumococcus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Hemophilus bacillus to the epithelial cells of the respiratory tract. The WHO position on influenza vaccination in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic is presented, and its main provisions are analyzed. Recommendations on the use of the main types of vaccines are given. Currently, the priority is to use 4-valent vaccines that ensure the development of the most stable immunity. In the Russian Federation, such a vaccine that meets all WHO recommendations is Ultrix Quadri, a tetravalent inactivated split influenza vaccine. The drug is a mixture of protective surface and internal antigens of influenza viruses of type A [subtypes A(H1N1) and A(H3N2)] and type B (Yamagata line and Victoria line). The use of vaccination schemes for pneumococcal infection was also discussed.