Antibiotic resistance can also be prevented
Vienna (OTS) – Antibiotics can save lives. But what’s better is that you don’t need them at all. Of course, it cannot be ruled out that at some point you will find yourself in the situation of needing antibiotics. However, the likelihood of this can be reduced – including through vaccinations. There are two ways to do this: direct and indirect. This means that certain bacterial infections that would have to be treated with antibiotics can be prevented directly through vaccination. Additionally, vaccinations against viral diseases can prevent both viral infection and potential bacterial superinfection as a consequence of weakened immune systems. Work is also being done on the problem of germs resistant to antibiotics. There are already some vaccine candidates in research.
Antibiotics: a blessing and a curse at the same time
„If you need them, get them in time and get the infection under control quickly, then antibiotics are a blessing
says Mag. Renée Gallo-Daniel, President of the Austrian Association of Vaccine Manufacturers (ÖVIH). “But it doesn’t always work that easily. Sometimes antibiotics are prescribed too late and sometimes they no longer work because the person in question is infected with a resistant germ.
As is often the case in medicine, the motto “Prevention is better than cure” also applies here. “Vaccinations are completely underestimated in this context and their value is not seen with regard to antibiotic resistance
“, explains Gallo-Daniel. “We know from many vaccines that they can significantly reduce the use of antibiotics.
“This applies not only to vaccines against bacterial infections, but also to those that are directed against viral pathogens. “One could also speak here of an essential additional benefit of vaccines
“, said the ÖVIH President.
Antibiotic resistance is becoming a problem worldwide
What we often don’t realize is that every time antibiotics are used, this promotes the development of resistance. Sensitive bacteria are destroyed, while the resistant ones survive and continue to multiply. In principle, antibiotic-resistant pathogens occur where many antibiotics are used. (1)
„While we in Austria are still an island of the blessed in international comparison because we still have relatively little antibiotic resistance (AMR), they are already on the rise worldwide
“, reports Mag. Sigrid Haslinger, Vice President of the ÖVIH. “In the EU/EEA region, the health burden due to infections related to antibiotic resistance is now comparable to that of influenza, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS combined.
“Vaccinations are an important, but so far underestimated, means of curbing antibiotic resistance,” she emphasizes. “By preventing infectious diseases, they work in several ways: in many cases they prevent the disease itself, they prevent secondary or superinfections that are promoted by the infection, and they reduce the transmission of pathogens in the population. All of this means that antibiotics may not be necessary and are less often used incorrectly or overused.
“
Proven effectiveness (2)
The effectiveness of many vaccines in reducing AMR has now been clearly proven. For example, the introduction of pneumococcal vaccination in children in the United States has led to a significant reduction in antibiotic-resistant, invasive pneumococcal infections. The advent of vaccines against Haemophilus influenzae type B has not only drastically reduced the number of cases of the disease, but also the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains. The influenza vaccination, which is particularly unpopular in Austria, also has far-reaching positive effects: It reduces the use of antibiotics in vaccinated people by up to 64%. Other examples of vaccines that reduce antibiotic use include vaccines against rotavirus, varicella, and dengue fever. “We expect similar results in the future for vaccines such as those against COVID-19 or RSV
“, explains Dr. Christoph Jandl, Secretary General of the ÖVIH.
Research on vaccines against resistant germs
„Unfortunately, there are already many germs against which antibiotics are no longer effective
Jandl continues. “In order to get these under control, member companies of Vaccines Europe are working on specific vaccines against exactly these pathogens. There are currently 15 vaccine candidates in development that target antibiotic-resistant bacteria from the so-called WHO Priority Pathogens List.
This list includes 12 groups of bacteria that are particularly dangerous to human health. (3)
Only administered vaccines work
„Authorized vaccines are powerful and effective in preventing disease and protecting against infection, but they can only achieve their full potential when they arrive in practice and are vaccinated
“, emphasizes ÖVIH President Gallo-Daniel. “What we need is a comprehensive vaccination concept for all people living in Austria with a consistent action plan for implementation. This is the only way we can increase vaccination rates and protect people from serious illnesses. As ÖVIH, we support politicians with all the means at our disposal.
“
(1) https://www.ots.at/redirect/rki9 last accessed on December 5th, 2023
(2) Vaccines Europe, Vaccines Europe White Paper on the role of vaccination in the fight against antimicrobial resistance November (AMR)2023
(3) https://www.ots.at/redirect/who39 last accessed on December 5th, 2023
Questions & Contact:
For the Austrian Association of Vaccine Manufacturers
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