Pneumococcal diseases

Together against pneumococcal diseases.

The pneumococcal diseases group a certain type of infections caused by a bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae. These diseases can range from ear and sinus infections to pneumonia and bloodstream infections.¹

Yearly, Streptococcus pneumoniae causes nearly 5800 hospitalisations² and 430 deaths² in Belgian adults above the age of 50. For the 65+ population, the mortality rate reaches 12%.³

Share this page

430 patients above the age of 50 die of IPD^* every year.²

On a yearly basis, Invasive Pneumococcal Diseases result in death for 430 Belgian adults above the age of 50.²

This is roughly the amount of people you would need to fill 3 busses.

Yearly, 5800 patients above the age of 50 get hospitalised.²

5800 Belgian patients end up in the hospital because of a pneumococcal infection.² These patients are all adults above the age of 50.

This is almost 6 times the entire population of Flanders’ smallest city.⁴

The Superior Health Council recommends vaccination³ for IPD.^*

The Superior Health Council has been recommending pneumococcal vaccination for healthy adults above the age of 65³, and certain groups at risk since 2014.

WHY is there no publicly funded program in place?

Share this page SHC* Recommendations

Publicly funded vaccination for adults

Why is there no publicly funded program for adults in place?

Despite a positive recommendation from the Belgian Superior Health Council, the vaccination rate in Flanders is very low (only 8.6%⁵), much lower than influenza (51.9%⁵) and COVID-19 (80%).⁶ This is partly due to the fact that the vaccine is not publicly funded for adults in Belgium.

There is a momentum of European countries like the Netherlands, Denmark and Sweden who already have a government funded program.^{7, 8, 9}

Belgium is one of the only Western European countries without a publicly funded program for adults.^7–15

Share this page

What are the numbers on
hospitalisation and deaths?

For adults above the age of 50, the chance at hospitalisation is lower in comparison to adults above the age of 65. Yet, pneumococcal diseases cause 5800 adults above the age of 50 to be hospitalised every year.²

As people get older, the chance of developing severe symptoms leading to hospitalisation and death increases. For adults above the age of 65, the mortality rate is 12%. For adults above the age of 85, the percentage doubles to a mortality rate of 24%.³

How can we prevent pneumococcal diseases

Several ways of protection against pneumococcal diseases exist, with appropriate hygienic measures and with vaccination.

You need to avoid any close contact with sick people. You need to wash your hands regularly and to adopt hygienic measures when you sneeze, cough or blow your nose.

You can also get vaccinated.

Is vaccination recommended?

Due to the high number of yearly hospitalisations and deaths, and the great risk at cardiovascular complications, vaccination is recommended by both health officials and the Superior Health Council.³

Despite this recommendation, less than 10% of the adults at risk get vaccinated.³ There is also no publicly funded vaccination program in place.

Why is there no vaccination program in place?

The low vaccination rate is is partly due to the lack of publicly funded vaccinations for adults. In contrast to other Western European countries, like The Netherlands, Denmark and Sweden, Belgium does not have publicly funded vaccinations for adults.^7, 8, 9 Therefore we must raise awareness to the severity of this disease and the need for a publicly funded vaccination for older adults.

This is how you can help!

You can help by raising awareness if you agree that pneumococcal diseases can have an important impact and that preventive measures are needed.

You can do this by sharing this webpage, talking to your friends and family, or by downloading and sharing the information brochure on pneumococcal diseases and their consequences.

Share this page
Download the brochure (NL & FR)

For more info on pneumococcal diseases, visit www.pneumoinfo.be

* IPD: Invasive Pneumococcal Diseases
* SHC: Superior Health Council

References

1. https://www.gezondheidenwetenschap.be/richtlijnen/preventie-van-ernstige-pneumokokkeninfecties. Last Access: 01/2023.
2. Federaal Kenniscentrum voor Gezondheidszorg. Welke Pneumokokkenvaccinatie bij ouderen? KCE; 2016 Rapport 274As. Last Access: 01/2023.
3. Hoge Gezondheidsraad. Vaccinatie tegen pneumokokken (volwassenen). Brussel: HGR; 2022. Advies nr 9674. Last Access: 01/2023.
4. https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lijst_van_steden_in_Vlaanderen. Last Access: 01/2023.
5. https://www.sciensano.be/sites/default/files/va_nl_2018.pdf. Last Access: 01/2023.
6. https://covid-vaccinatie.be/en. Last Access: 01/2023.
7. https://www.nivel.nl/sites/default/files/bestanden/1004078.pdf. Last Access: 01/2023.
8. https://www.ssi.dk/aktuelt/nyhedsbreve/epi-nyt/2020/uge-44-45---2020. Last Access: 01/2023.
9. https://www.folkhalsomyndigheten.se/the-public-health-agency-of-sweden/communicable-disease-control/vaccinations/vaccination-programmes/#:~:text=In%20Sweden%2C%20children%20are%20offered,children%20and%20adults%20at%20risk. Last Access: 01/2023.
10. https://www.hse.ie/eng/health/immunisation/hcpinfo/othervaccines/pneumo/. Last access: 01/2023.
11. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/vaccine-update-issue-320-april-2021-european-immunisation-week-special-edition/vaccine-update-issue-320-april-2021-european-immunisation-week-special-edition. Last access: 01/2023.
12. https://www.sanidad.gob.es/en/profesionales/saludPublica/prevPromocion/vacunaciones/programasDeVacunacion/docs/Neumococo_Gruposriesgo.pdf. Last access: 01/2023.
13. https://www.dgs.pt/normas-orientacoes-e-informacoes/normas-e-circulares-normativas/norma-n-0112015-de-23062015-pdf.aspx. Last access: 01/2023.
14. https://www.ordinefarmacistirimini.it/files/indicazioni_organizzative_per_lofferta_ai_65enni_della_vaccinazione_antipneumococcica.pdf. Last access: 01/2023.
15. https://szu.cz/tema/vakciny/ockovaci-kalendar-v-cr?highlightWords=O%C4%8Dkovac%C3%AD+kalend%C3%A1%C5%99+%C4%8CR. Last access: 01/2023.
16. Kimberly M. et al. Rates of pneumococcal disease in adults with chronic medical conditions. Pneumococcal disease in adults OFID 2018.

BE-NON-01594. Date of last revision: 03/2023.

Health Awareness

Results from the MSD’s #CancerScreening Barometer 2021

04/04/2022

The MSD #CancerScreening Barometer is a survey that reflects the knowledge and attitude of the Belgian population towards cancer screening.

Cancer screening is an important factor that positively impacts disease outcome, unfortunately, the survey shows that 6 out of 10 Belgians have the feeling they lack information on screening.

Belgium is at the European top regarding breast cancer screening

But 78% of surveyed women weren’t aware of the recommended screening age of 50, and 25% of those above 55 years old have never had mammography.

Other cancers have even worse numbers, where 46% of men above 50 have never done a colon cancer screening and even 66% of them for prostate cancer.

1/3 of the respondents find cancer screening a painful and scary experience, but it saves lives.

Cancer screening is not a fun experience, 1/3 of the respondents find it a painful and scary experience, but it saves lives.

78% of the respondents also think we have a huge gap to fill in terms of cancer diagnosis due to the COVID-19 crisis, which has already been confirmed by the medical community.

Let’s work together on creating more awareness on screening and screening programs to help improve disease outcomes in Belgium.

Download the infographic in FR and NL.

Health Awareness

Finding yourself after surviving head and neck cancer

04/04/2022

Head and neck cancer will impact not only someone’s health, but also someone’s sense of self. Paolo Berti survived head and neck cancer caused by the papillomavirus. In two years time, three tumors had to be removed. For the first tumor they used chemoradiotherapy, for the second a lymph node dissection and for the third tumor he had to undergo robotic surgery. Paolo shares his story about the way the disease has changed his life.

Something we need to talk about

It is pretty well known that the papillomavirus can cause severe diseases such as cervical cancer. It is less well known that it can also seriously affect men and cause diseases such as head and neck cancer.

“When you receive the diagnosis, you can’t help but ask yourself ‘why me?’. You don’t understand why this is happening to you. Being a non-smoker and a non-drinker, it took the doctors more than a year to determine that the disease was caused by the papillomavirus. That’s why it’s very important to me to talk about the ways in which this virus can affect men.”

Rebuilding life as a cancer survivor

The treatment of the head and neck cancer had a big effect on the way Paolo speaks. It is more difficult to understand him, which impacts both his personal and his professional relations.

“I was a salesman, I was often on the road. It was easy for me to talk to people. I was a communicative person. But now, unfortunately, communicating is not easy for me. My speech is not very clear, I am not easy to understand. Sometimes this can hold me back.

My friends and family know me, so it’s not an issue for them, but it’s hard when you have to ask for information on the phone or when you have to present yourself for work. Those moments are very difficult.

Accepting what happened

After the diagnosis and the treatment, Paolo was left feeling unhinged. The life he had known before was gone. He had to rediscover who he was and what was important to him.

“The most difficult part is accepting what happened and to find a new drive. Both physically and mentally, the recovery was very difficult. I lost 22 kg and had to rebuild a lot of muscle mass. And I had some trouble mentally, because many of the things that I did before are now no longer possible. Everything that you worked for the past 48 years, your studies, your career … just like that it’s gone.

You have to find yourself again. At the beginning it was very hard. But I have adopted two dogs and I often go on walks with them. Slowly, I am finding myself again. It was hard at first, but now I can manage.

Confucius once said: ‘you only have two lives and the second one begins once you realize that you only have one.’ To me, this means that you really have to enjoy every moment, because you never know what tomorrow will bring.”

It takes all of us to beat cancer

At MSD we are working hard to develop breakthrough innovations to prevent cancer or to give patients more quality in their lives and more time.

Health Awareness

You have the power to help prevent disease

Life as we once knew it has changed. One thing that hasn’t changed is our focus on our families. By following routine vaccination schedules, you can help protect yourself and your loved ones during these uncertain times.

November 17, 2021

Managing your health can be tough, especially during a pandemic. Fortunately, there’s still a lot you can do to help keep yourself and your family healthy. By staying up to date on recommended vaccinations, you can help prevent a variety of infectious diseases.

Talk to your health care provider to learn which vaccines are recommended for you and your family.

Infants and children

Adolescents

Adults

Your health care provider can help

If you’re preparing for an appointment, here’s a checklist of suggested questions to ask and actions to take to help keep you safe:

	Ask office if there are designated hours for sick vs. well visits
	Ask if there are guidelines in place for social distancing (e.g., waiting room guidelines, a wait in car protocol, check-in by phone, etc.)
	Wear a mask and bring hand sanitizer

Health Awareness

At risk for lung cancer? Know the signs & symptoms

Don't gloss over it, visit a doctor – do it FOR yourself

November 17, 2021

Delayed doctor’s visits can have a lasting impact, especially for those at risk for lung cancer

With more time spent at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us became do-it-yourself-ers – taking on new home improvement projects, dinner recipes and self-care routines. But one thing we may not have tackled is our health.

According to the World Health Organization, many countries experienced disruptions to health services during the pandemic, including primary care visits and cancer screenings.

This is concerning because certain diseases, such as lung cancer, have better outcomes when detected early.

Annabelle Gurwitch, best-selling author and activist living with lung cancer

“In May 2020, I went to an urgent care center for a COVID-19 test. I mentioned I had a persistent cough but couldn’t recall how long it had been going on – and like many people during the pandemic, I put off going to the doctor to have it checked out. The COVID-19 test was negative, but a chest X-ray revealed a concerning mass on one of my lungs. Soon after, I received a diagnosis of stage four lung cancer.”

Early detection of lung cancer is important

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide, accounting for nearly 1-in-5 cancer-related deaths. Most lung cancers are not diagnosed until they have reached a late stage and are harder to treat.

That’s why it’s so important to get our primary care visits back on track, especially if something isn’t right.

“Many are unaware of the importance of early detection and there’s also very little understanding about lung cancer in general, including the signs and symptoms of the disease. Personally, I had no idea how prevalent lung cancer is among active, otherwise healthy, non-smoking women like myself. Had I been aware, I might have gotten my cough checked out sooner and maybe even been diagnosed at an earlier stage. That’s why I am sharing my story to encourage people to prioritize their health and schedule their routine doctor’s visits,” says Annabelle.

Recognizing symptoms of lung cancer and knowing your risk

Some of the most common symptoms of lung cancer are an unexplained, persistent cough lasting more than three weeks or shortness of breath.

While anyone can get lung cancer, your risk goes up if you are over 50 years old and:

currently smoke or smoked in the past
have been around secondhand smoke
have a family history of the disease, such as a parent or sibling

*The above list does not include all risk factors for lung cancer

Don’t gloss over it: Schedule a doctor’s visit

Now that we are starting to return to our regular schedules, it’s time to tackle our health again. If you have an unexplained cough lasting more than three weeks or shortness of breath, don’t gloss over it.

While you may still have some concerns about visiting your doctor, most offices have rules to protect their patients, such as COVID-19 screenings. Work with your doctor to come up with a plan that’s best for you.

Do it FOR yourself and take this simple step to help protect your health.

Discover more stories

6 global trends critical to patients during the COVID-19 pandemic

At risk for lung cancer? Know the signs & symptoms

4 ways to drive progress in cancer care beyond the pandemic

View all stories

Health Awareness

6 global trends critical to patients during the COVID-19 pandemic

Expert panel of patient advocacy leaders on COVID-19, its impact on patients and moving forward

October 26, 2021

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges around the world. It has significantly impacted health systems and health care. MSD recently hosted an expert panel of patient advocacy leaders from around the world to discuss shifts in health care and the impact on patients during the next phases of the pandemic. Special Report: COVID-19 and the Patient Perspective summarizes the panel conversation.

Read the report

Moderated by MSD’s executive director of global patient advocacy, Michelle Vichnin, MD, the panel highlighted six global trends:

01.

Defining and characterizing the “new normal”

New is the operative word. Panelists note that everyone is learning something new, and resilience and agility are key as we respond to realities that are changing every day. And, this includes a new relationship with technology, which will likely deepen in the wake of COVID-19 and other crises, according to a recent survey.

02.

Understanding the future of patient care

The pandemic has forced health care systems to quickly adapt. Changes and trends in patient care include the adoption of telemedicine/telehealth and mobile delivery of care, increased use of technology for patient data and innovation in digital capabilities to monitor, diagnose and promote health.

03.

Challenges of COVID-19: focus on mental health

In addition to the loss of life and impact on physical health, COVID-19 has taken a toll on people’s mental health. Groups particularly affected include health and other frontline workers, students, people living alone and those with pre-existing mental health conditions.

04.

Addressing health care disparities and health equity

The pandemic has highlighted gaps in current health care systems and care models. It’s forcing us, as a society, to grapple with health care disparities and aim for greater health equity. Panelists discussed some ways to improve those inequities, including addressing social determinants of health and building health literacy.

05.

Embracing patients and patient advocates as part of the solution

Because of what we’ve learned through the pandemic, there are opportunities for a renewed focus on health and prevention. This includes greater involvement of patients in all aspects of health care – from clinical trials to product development.

06.

Partnering for success

Collaboration across all sectors will be critical for addressing the enormous challenges that lie ahead and investment in health care should be prioritized.

Read the report

Special Report: COVID-19 and the Patient Perspective

A summary of a global panel discussion

Discover more stories

Solidarity rising in the face of adversity

Women in science? Absolutely

Volunteering in pandemic times

View all stories

Content Topic: Health Awareness

Together against pneumococcal diseases.

Why is there no publicly funded program for adults in place?