Pneumococcus poses a significant health threat to children in Vietnam, acting as a primary driver of serious illnesses, according to Dr. Nguyen Thanh Nam, Director of the Pediatrics Center at Bach Mai Hospital. He shared these findings at the 11th Vietnam-US Pediatrics Conference on 13/11.

The substantial burden of pneumococcal disease in the community is evident from recent statistics. Data from the Pediatrics Center at Bach Mai Hospital for the first 9 months of 2025 showed pneumococcus accounted for 12% of bacterial strains isolated in inpatient treatment. Furthermore, a study on outpatient cases revealed that 55% of pneumonia instances were caused by this agent, Dr. Nam noted.

Streptococcus pneumoniae, commonly known as pneumococcus, frequently resides in the respiratory tracts of healthy individuals and spreads easily through coughing and sneezing. This widespread presence contributes to its impact, with 2024 statistics indicating that approximately 25-30% of children under two years old suffering from pneumonia and 40% of sepsis cases in this age group are attributed to pneumococcus.

Upon invading the lungs from the upper respiratory tract, pneumococcus causes pneumonia with symptoms like high fever, severe cough, chills, rapid breathing, and chest pain. The disease can escalate to severe respiratory failure, often necessitating mechanical ventilation. While many affected children survive, they frequently face serious long-term complications.

Globally, pneumococcal diseases represent a severe threat, as highlighted by the World Health Organization (WHO). Tragically, a child succumbs to pneumonia every 43 seconds worldwide. Vietnam is among the 15 countries most heavily burdened by this disease, underscoring the urgency of prevention efforts.

Vaccination plays a crucial role in combating pneumococcal disease. Dr. Nam pointed out that 97% of children diagnosed with pneumococcal meningitis had not received the vaccine. International experience consistently shows that widespread vaccination significantly reduces the incidence of both pneumonia and meningitis. Immunization is vital for lowering disease risk or mitigating symptom severity, especially for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with underlying health conditions.

Beyond vaccination, medical professionals advise the public to proactively prevent infection through regular respiratory, oral, and throat hygiene.

Le Nga