Elderly at high risk from the ‘silent killer’ pneumonia
Summary
Elderly people in Nepal are highly susceptible to pneumonia due to weak immunity and chronic diseases, yet the government does not provide free vaccines for seniors, raising health and financial risks during cold seasons.
Key Points
- Elderly people above 65 are at high risk of pneumonia due to weak immune systems and chronic illnesses.
- The Nepalese government currently provides free pneumonia vaccines only for children under five, not senior citizens.
- Local governments like Lalitpur and Kathmandu have started free pneumonia vaccination programs for senior citizens.
- Pneumonia treatment costs are high, and vaccination could reduce mortality and financial burden significantly.
