SOS from Pulmonologists: The “Invisible Enemy” Threatening the Lungs – Everything You Need to Know About the Life-Saving Vaccine
Pneumococcal Vaccine: The domestic health system is on high alert due to a surge in respiratory infections, with the Hellenic Chest Diseases Society sounding the alarm regarding pneumococcus. While hospital admissions remain at high levels, experts emphasize the importance of the new conjugate vaccine, which offers broader protection and serves as a “shield” for vulnerable groups and adults over 65.
DANGER SIGNAL FOR PNEUMOCOCCUS FROM THE HELLENIC CHEST DISEASES SOCIETY
By ARIS BERZOVITIS
The influx of patients with respiratory infections into National Health System (NHS) hospitals has remained high recently. However, according to statements by Deputy Health Minister Marios Themistocleous, the health system continues to operate within controlled limits.
As he stated, although a slight decline in influenza has been recorded compared to the previous week, there is no certainty that the peak has been reached, as a potential drop in temperature could lead to a new increase in cases.
“Increased activity is recorded in pediatric hospitals following the reopening of schools, but conditions are clearly improved compared to previous years and waiting times are shorter, especially at the ‘Agia Sofia’ Children’s Hospital,” Mr. Themistocleous pointed out.
Meanwhile, the vaccination campaign is progressing smoothly, with 2.8 million citizens already vaccinated against the flu—a number slightly higher than last year—while both vaccines and antiviral drugs are available. The message sent by the Deputy Health Minister to citizens is as follows: “Anyone exhibiting symptoms must contact their doctor immediately, while vulnerable groups and children up to five years old can still be vaccinated, as the vaccine needs approximately 10 to 14 days to develop full protection.”
According to the latest EODY (National Public Health Organization) report, in week 3/2026, there were 613 new admissions, while 23 new serious cases of laboratory-confirmed influenza requiring ICU hospitalization and seven new deaths were recorded. Additionally, 13 serious cases of laboratory-confirmed influenza requiring ICU hospitalization were retroactively reported, with admission dates within previous weeks, as well as one new death from laboratory-confirmed influenza within week 2/2026. In total, from week 40/2025 through week 3/2026, 81 cases of laboratory-confirmed influenza requiring ICU and 23 deaths have been recorded.
EODY strongly recommends that high-risk groups vaccinate against influenza without delay, seek medical care promptly upon the appearance of flu-like symptoms for the administration of antiviral treatment, and use masks in crowded indoor spaces. Furthermore, the general population is advised to implement protective measures, including respiratory hygiene, frequent hand washing, and proper ventilation of indoor spaces.
Pneumococcus and the Vaccine that Saves Lives
The President of the Hellenic Chest Diseases Society, Dr. Stamatoula Tsikrika, issues a danger signal for pneumococcus, pointing out that it is an invisible enemy of the lungs, making vaccination essential. Specifically, Dr. Tsikrika informs us of the following:
“Pneumococcus (Streptococcus Pneumoniae) remains one of the primary causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, mainly affecting specific age groups. Although most believe the disease is caused by only one serotype, in reality, more than 90 serotypes have been recorded, though not all are pathogenic to humans.
Transmission occurs via droplets released during coughing, sneezing, or close interpersonal contact. Sources of transmission can be both symptomatic patients and asymptomatic carriers of the microbe.”
Most Common Clinical Symptoms:
-
Fever and chills.
-
Cough with or without expectoration (phlegm).
-
Dyspnea (shortness of breath) or tachypnea.
-
Chest pain.
-
Fatigue, confusion (especially in the elderly).
Illness can range from mild to life-threatening, particularly in infants, the elderly, individuals with comorbidities, and immunocompromised patients, occasionally resulting in high morbidity and mortality due to severe forms of infection, such as meningitis and bacteremia.
Epidemiologically, pneumococcal infections occur most frequently during the winter season due to crowding and climatic conditions, but occasionally during the early spring or throughout the year. While anyone can contract pneumococcal disease, children under 2 years old, adults over 65, immunocompromised individuals, and smokers are at the highest risk.
Active immunization through pneumococcal vaccination holds a significant position in reducing antibiotic resistance rates—especially in our country, where the misuse and incorrect intake of antibiotics is a common practice.
According to scientific data, pneumonia caused by resistant strains is considered a true clinical challenge, often due to limited available therapeutic options.
Who Should Be Vaccinated Against Pneumococcus
According to the National Adult Vaccination Program, vaccination with the new conjugate vaccine, which covers up to 20 different strains (PCV20), is recommended. The introduction of PCV20 into vaccination planning is a significant development, aiming for broader serotype coverage and improved protection, as it promises even greater immunity in countries like Greece, which have high rates of circulating resistant strains in the community.
For Adults ≥65 Years Old:
-
A single dose of the PCV20 conjugate pneumococcal vaccine is recommended. Following vaccination with PCV20, the administration of PPSV23 is not recommended.
-
Individuals who have received only one dose of PCV13 are recommended to receive one dose of PCV20 at least one year later to complete their vaccination.
-
For individuals who may have previously received PPSV23, PCV20 follows one year later.
-
For individuals who have received both PCV13 and PPSV23, it is recommended to receive PCV20 five years after the last vaccination.
For Individuals Aged 18 to 64 with Underlying Conditions:
-
For individuals with immunosuppression*, CSF leak, cochlear implant, chronic heart disease (excluding hypertension), chronic liver disease, chronic renal failure, COPD, diabetes mellitus, alcoholism, or heavy smokers, a single dose of the PCV20 conjugate pneumococcal vaccine should be administered. Following PCV20, the administration of PPSV23 is not recommended.
-
For individuals with immunosuppression*, CSF leak, or cochlear implant who have been vaccinated with PCV13 and PPSV23, it is recommended to receive one dose of PCV20 at least five years after the last pneumococcal vaccine dose.
-
For individuals with chronic heart disease (excluding hypertension), chronic liver disease, chronic renal failure, chronic lung disease, diabetes mellitus, alcoholism, or heavy smokers who have received a single dose of PCV13 or PPSV23, a dose of the PCV20 conjugate pneumococcal vaccine is administered one year later.
*Immunosuppression: Congenital or acquired immunodeficiency (including B- and T-lymphocyte deficiency, complement deficiencies, phagocytic function deficiencies, HIV infection), chronic renal failure, nephrotic syndrome, leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, generalized malignancy, iatrogenic immunosuppression (e.g., drug therapy or radiation therapy), solid organ transplant, multiple myeloma, anatomical or functional asplenia (including sickle cell disease and other hemoglobinopathies).
Pneumococcal vaccination is not merely a medical recommendation; rather, it is a strategy that reduces morbidity and mortality, particularly in vulnerable groups, while offering significant benefits to the community and health systems as a whole. The institutionalization, public awareness, and broad implementation of these vaccinations according to the National Vaccination Program constitute the cornerstone of preventing serious infections at every age.
