„"The benefits of vaccinations far outweigh any potential harm."“
Vaccination protects against influenza, Covid, pneumococcus, and RSV - CSL Patient Day in Mainz
By Herbert Rude
Vaccinations have once again become a topic of discussion, especially since Robert Kennedy, a notorious vaccine skeptic, has been at the helm of the US Department of Health and Human Services since last year. "For people with alpha antitrypsin deficiency, however, the benefits far outweigh any potential harm," stated pulmonologist Camilla Lüttecke-Hecht at the Mainz Patient Day in May, which was hosted by CSL Behring as part of its regular rotation. She recommends alpha-negative vaccinations against influenza, pneumococcus, COVID-19, and RSV. "Because all of these diseases can severely damage the lungs," the doctor explained.
In severe cases, the coronavirus led to thrombosis or blood clots in the lungs, which paralyzed gas exchange. RSV can cause veritable cell debris in the airways, and pneumococci fill the alveoli with pus and damage the cilia in the bronchial system. True influenza can even trigger a so-called superinfection. In this case, bacteria also colonize the airways, which are already burdened by the viruses. "The 1918/19 flu pandemic claimed more lives than the entire First World War," says Lüttecke-Hecht. Estimates suggest up to 100 million victims.
While no vaccine can prevent disease 100 percent of the time, protection against influenza is between 40 and 60 percent, and protection against pneumococcus between 60 and 75 percent. Vaccinations offer 80 to 90 percent protection against RSV and COVID-19. "However, viral loads are much lower in infected individuals than in unvaccinated people, and the immune system fights the disease more quickly," says Lüttecke-Hecht.
Opinions that one can protect oneself against these diseases in this way, or that vaccinations themselves cause the infections, are wrong, she adds. "We can't vaccinate against a disease," the physician states. The problem is that many vaccinations are administered in the fall, when there are already many cold viruses circulating. "Some people already carry these viruses when they are vaccinated," she says. The incubation period, the time between infection and the onset of symptoms, then means that the cold only breaks out after vaccination and is then quickly mistaken for the flu.
And to avoid the viruses, one would essentially have to wall oneself off for three months, the pulmonologist continued. The viruses or bacteria are transmitted through droplets, for example, during conversation, making avoidance virtually impossible. Furthermore, the immune system needs to be constantly stimulated against viruses and bacteria. "We are still seeing the consequences of wearing masks during the coronavirus pandemic," she said. The immune system functions by having T cells in the body remember pathogens and sending out B cells, or phagocytes, to fight them. "Actually, we even need the illness to stay healthy," the doctor explained. But this is where vaccinations come into play.
The vaccinations provide the T-cells with blueprints or proteins from the viruses, "without transmitting the disease," as she emphasizes. Because children don't yet have antibodies, vaccinations are therefore particularly important for them. On the other hand, the immune system weakens with age. "That's why vaccinations are important not only for children, but also for the elderly and at-risk groups," she says.
For pneumococcus and RSV, a single vaccination is sufficient according to current knowledge. Annual vaccinations are necessary against influenza and also against COVID-19 because the viruses are constantly changing.
The next Mainz Patient Day will take place on November 14th. It is being organized by Grifols and will focus, among other things, on the Alpha-1 Centers. Further details will follow later on the website.
