PANUWAT WONGKULAB, M.D.
Infectious Diseases
The Thai society is experiencing an increasing aging population, which may lead to various challenges. One inevitable issue is health problems and the associated medical expenses. Therefore, maintaining good health through regular exercise and routine health check-ups to prevent diseases is always preferable to seeking treatment after falling ill when it may be too late.
Vaccination plays a crucial role in strengthening the immune system, helping to prevent infections from vaccine-preventable diseases.
Many people mistakenly believe that receiving childhood vaccinations eliminates the need for further immunization in adulthood. In reality, the immunity provided by many vaccines diminishes over time. Therefore, even adults, particularly the elderly and those with chronic illnesses, should continue to receive necessary vaccinations. These vaccinations not only protect against infections but also reduce hospitalizations, lowering medical expenses, and decreasing mortality rates from infectious diseases.
The influenza vaccine is recommended annually, as influenza viruses mutate every year. Receiving a yearly flu shot before flu season—typically occurring twice a year in Thailand, during the rainy and winter seasons—helps protect against infections. However, individuals with severe egg allergies should avoid this vaccine due to the egg-based production process.
This vaccine is recommended at least once for all adults, particularly pregnant women. Those at high risk, such as individuals with wounds or those in occupations prone to tetanus exposure, should receive a full three-dose series, with the second dose given 1–2 months after the first, and the third dose 6–12 months after the second. A booster dose is recommended every 10 years to prevent the spread of infection.
Adults and elderly individuals who have never had chickenpox or been vaccinated against it should receive two doses, spaced 4–8 weeks apart. Women of childbearing age should avoid pregnancy for at least one month after receiving this vaccine.
Shingles are more common among the elderly, so vaccination is recommended for individuals aged 60 and older, as this age group has the highest risk of developing the disease. Adults aged 50–59 who wish to receive the vaccine should consult a doctor, as its efficacy is maintained for only about five years.
This vaccine helps prevent cervical cancer and is particularly recommended for women aged 9–26. However, it is not suitable for pregnant women. Even after vaccination, regular cervical cancer screenings remain necessary.
The HPV vaccine is especially recommended for men who have sex with men, as it helps prevent anal HPV infections, which can lead to anal cancer. This group is at significantly higher risk of developing HPV-related lesions and genital cancers.
This vaccine is suitable for adults who have never had measles, mumps, or rubella, or who have never been vaccinated before. At least one dose is recommended, especially for women of childbearing age. Pregnancy should be postponed for at least three months after receiving this vaccine.
Also known as the pneumonia vaccine, this vaccine protects against pneumococcal infections, which pose significant risks to individuals with weakened immune systems, young children, the elderly (aged 65 and older), those without a spleen, and individuals with chronic illnesses.
Adults should receive a single dose of the PPSV23 vaccine, with a possible booster after 3–5 years as recommended by a physician. Additionally, the annual influenza vaccine provides further protection against respiratory infections.
Hepatitis A is primarily transmitted through contaminated food and drinks and can spread through bodily fluids, sexual contact, childbirth, or blood transfusions. This vaccine is suitable for individuals who have never had hepatitis A, particularly those with chronic liver disease, food handlers, or those living in crowded communities. It is administered in two doses, 6–12 months apart, providing immunity for over 10 years.
Long-term hepatitis A infections may lead to chronic liver inflammation and increase the risk of liver cancer. Hepatitis B vaccination requires three doses: the second dose is given one month after the first, and the third dose is administered six months after the first.
Pregnant women should receive necessary vaccinations before conception. Those who have never been vaccinated are at higher risk of contracting preventable diseases. The following vaccines are recommended:
This vaccine is essential for all pregnant women, even those previously vaccinated. The optimal time for vaccination is between 27 and 36 weeks of pregnancy, as this maximizes immunity transfer to the baby. The vaccine helps protect against diphtheria, which has seen a resurgence and can be fatal for both mother and baby.
Pertussis is often transmitted from mother to child, and maternal vaccination can protect the baby for up to six months. Additionally, tetanus vaccination prevents infections during pregnancy and childbirth.
Influenza can cause severe complications in pregnant women, including pneumonia, myocarditis, or heart failure. A single annual flu shot protects pregnancy.
Many vaccines do not provide lifelong immunity, as their effectiveness diminishes with age. Therefore, regular vaccinations are essential to maintaining long-term protection against infectious diseases.
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Infectious Diseases
