Dr. Nizar Kattaoui Emphasizes the Need for a Vaccination Schedule for the Elderly
Dr. Nizar Kattaoui, a specialist in geriatrics, highlighted on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, the necessity of establishing a vaccination schedule for the elderly, similar to that for infants and children. He explained that seniors have physiological characteristics that make them more vulnerable to viral and bacterial diseases than any other category.
Vulnerability of the Elderly to Diseases
Speaking on the radio, he added that the aging of the immune and respiratory systems, as well as the prevalence of chronic diseases among the elderly (such as kidney failure, heart failure, respiratory failure, diabetes, and Alzheimer's disease), and their consumption of numerous medications, require the establishment of a vaccination schedule that must be adopted and supported by the state.
Importance of Vaccination
In the same context, Dr. Nizar Kattaoui indicated that among the most important vaccines is the one against influenza, which protects the elderly from the severity of diseases and contributes to reducing the hospitalization rate by 30 to 50%, as well as the mortality rate by 40 to 60%.
Other Essential Vaccines
He also mentioned the vaccine against pneumococcus, a bacterial disease that causes inflammation of the lungs, brain, ears, and sinuses, and is responsible for 20 to 30% of deaths among the elderly. He confirmed that this vaccine is available in pharmacies at a price of 150 dinars.
Booster Shots and Oral Health
The radio guest further emphasized the need to receive booster shots for vaccines against tetanus, polio, diphtheria, and pertussis. Finally, he stressed the importance of taking care of the oral health of the elderly and regularly cleaning the gums, tongue, and dental prostheses.
