People living with chronic kidney disease and diabetes should be aware of infectious disease risks
On September 29 GSK Vietnam participated in a scientific conference of the Vietnam Urology and Nephrology Association VUNA and provided updates on care for people living with chronic conditions in the context of infectious disease risks while discussing appropriate preventive measures
By 2030, the population of Vietnam is expected to include nearly 18 million individuals aged 60 and older, a significant rise of nearly 4 million from 2024. A considerable portion of this aging population, around two-thirds, is likely to have at least one underlying medical condition, with more than half of them experiencing multiple such conditions simultaneously. This was discussed at the 20th National Scientific Conference of the Vietnam Urology and Nephrology Association in Ninh Binh.
Diabetes, a prevalent condition among older adults, can compromise the immune system, making patients more susceptible to infections such as respiratory tract infections and pneumonia. Research indicates that diabetes patients face a 38 percent higher risk of developing shingles compared to non-diabetic individuals. Additionally, diabetes is associated with a 29 percent increased likelihood of severe RSV illness in older adults.
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends vaccination as part of standard diabetes care, emphasizing the importance of vaccinations alongside managing blood glucose, blood pressure, and blood lipids. Nguyen Khoa Dieu Van, vice president of the Vietnam Association of Diabetes and Endocrinology, underscored the significance of vaccinations, highlighting that age-related immune decline, coupled with underlying medical conditions, can exacerbate the severity of infections.
Therefore, patients with diabetes must recognize the role of vaccinations in their overall health strategy.
The Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) 2024 guideline also advocates for an "immunisation programme" as a crucial component of comprehensive care for patients with chronic kidney disease. In Vietnam, the Recommendations for Vaccination Practice in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease, published by VUNA in August 2026, align with these international guidelines.
Vo Tam, vice president of the Vietnam Urology and Nephrology Association, stressed the importance of integrating risk assessment and preventive counselling into ongoing patient care, taking into account each patient's unique health status and needs. Healthcare professionals should review vaccination histories and provide personalized guidance on preventive measures to mitigate infection risks.
This preventive mindset is echoed in Decision No.1983/QD-BYT from the Ministry of Health, which outlines a framework for risk factor control and vaccination for individuals with risk factors, including non-communicable diseases. The recommendations encompass vaccines for hepatitis B, HPV, RSV, influenza, pneumococcal disease, and shingles, all in line with the Ministry of Health's guidelines.
When treatment and prevention are addressed in tandem, patients are better positioned to sustain their health and enhance their quality of life. This integrated approach, championed by scientific conferences supported by GSK Vietnam, aims to place patients at the core of care, bridging treatment and prevention and promoting a holistic healthcare strategy for older adults with underlying health conditions.
GSK Vietnam is also committed to combating antimicrobial resistance, recognizing it as a pressing global health challenge.
Written by urgent.news from Vietnam Investment Review's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
