I have Bronchiectasis (damage to the bronchi), and need to keep my lungs in good health, by daily walking exercise, breathing/'huffing' exercises, use of a 'flutter' device to help me cough up sputum, and mucus thinner medication.

 

Generally, I can lead a fairly normal life 🙂  But several times a year, I will have a 'flare-up', which makes me feel like s**t, difficulty to breath, enough lung mucus to fill a swimming pool etc

 

It is important for me to try to avoid respiratory infections.

 

I'm in north Laos.  Recently my local clinic (there being no decent hospitals lol), sent a sample of my sputum down to Vientiane for analysis and this identified Streptococcus Pneumoniae bacteria in my lungs, and that it is susceptable to common anti-biotics such as Amoxicillin.  So that's useful information.

 

But since Streptococcus Pneumoniae can lead to bacterial pneumonia, I wanted to check that my pneumonia vaccinations are all up-to-date.

 

According to my vaccine passport, I had a Revnor PCV13 vaccination in July 2017 and a Pneumovax PPSV-23 vaccination in May 2023.

 

Are these vaccinations still providing protection?  Do I need to do more?

 

I had Astra Zeneca Covid vaccinations in June and July 2021, with boosters in November 2021 and March 2022.  I did contract Covid in April 2022, but very mild symptoms.

 

I have not had any flu jabs, understanding that these need to be done annually.

 

Please no comments from the anti-vax brigade - if you are in physical proximity to me while I'm having a lung flare-up, you will be in danger of physical harm from me 🙂

8 minutes ago, simon43 said:

I have Bronchiectasis (damage to the bronchi), and need to keep my lungs in good health, by daily walking exercise, breathing/'huffing' exercises, use of a 'flutter' device to help me cough up sputum, and mucus thinner medication.

 

Generally, I can lead a fairly normal life 🙂  But several times a year, I will have a 'flare-up', which makes me feel like s**t, difficulty to breath, enough lung mucus to fill a swimming pool etc

 

It is important for me to try to avoid respiratory infections.

 

I'm in north Laos.  Recently my local clinic (there being no decent hospitals lol), sent a sample of my sputum down to Vientiane for analysis and this identified Streptococcus Pneumoniae bacteria in my lungs, and that it is susceptable to common anti-biotics such as Amoxicillin.  So that's useful information.

 

But since Streptococcus Pneumoniae can lead to bacterial pneumonia, I wanted to check that my pneumonia vaccinations are all up-to-date.

 

According to my vaccine passport, I had a Revnor PCV13 vaccination in July 2017 and a Pneumovax PPSV-23 vaccination in May 2023.

 

Are these vaccinations still providing protection?  Do I need to do more?

 

I had Astra Zeneca Covid vaccinations in June and July 2021, with boosters in November 2021 and March 2022.  I did contract Covid in April 2022, but very mild symptoms.

 

I have not had any flu jabs, understanding that these need to be done annually.

 

Please no comments from the anti-vax brigade - if you are in physical proximity to me while I'm having a lung flare-up, you will be in danger of physical harm from me 🙂

Everything OK.

I suppose you got a Pneumonia vaccination in your early childhood already and got now 2 additional ones with protection against the latest strains (in 2023), you are well protected. (PPSV23 is a one shot for adults)

Don't panic. 

Advice: I'm myself quite sensitive if it comes to pollution. So since a couple of years already I spent around 5 months in our house at the beach in the South. Since then no lung problems anymore)

Actually almost half of the population got Streptococcus Pneumoniae. Your immune system is capable to tackle this "threat".

Flu-Injection is recommended.

I have bronchiectasis too but only ever get symptoms as bad as yours if the air quality is deteriorates during the burning season (which is why I live in southern Thailand and not Laos).

 

I have had two pneumonia vaccinations since turning 65 and my doctor told me that would be all I need. He also said they weren't the most effective vaccinations (working in only about 50% of people I think he said) but having bronchiectasis it was still recommended to have them. 

 

I had my vaccinations a year apart which is what is recommended if your first vaccination for pneumonia is when you are over 65. You didn't mention you age, but if you are under 65 you may need to have those two year-apart shots when you reach 65 to give you lifetime protection.

23 minutes ago, banyanman said:

I have bronchiectasis too but only ever get symptoms as bad as yours if the air quality is deteriorates during the burning season (which is why I live in southern Thailand and not Laos).

 

I have had two pneumonia vaccinations since turning 65 and my doctor told me that would be all I need. He also said they weren't the most effective vaccinations (working in only about 50% of people I think he said) but having bronchiectasis it was still recommended to have them. 

 

I had my vaccinations a year apart which is what is recommended if your first vaccination for pneumonia is when you are over 65. You didn't mention you age, but if you are under 65 you may need to have those two year-apart shots when you reach 65 to give you lifetime protection.

Thanks.  I'm 66 years old.  I currently live in north Laos because:

a - I used to be the Principal of the international school here many years ago

b - I can't really teach at schools in Myanmar any more and so relax in Laos now.

 

But I'm also aware:

a - That the burning season is definitely not good for my lungs

b - My UK state pension is 'frozen' if I live in Laos/Thailand/Cambodia etc.

 

So early next year I will relocate to the Philippines where:

a - The air quality is generally better, sea  air etc

b - My UK pension is not frozen

c - I have been granted a lifelong visa (SRRV Extended Courtesy) because of my scientific work and academic qualifications.

 

Good news re my pneumonia vaccinations.  Once settled in the PI, I'll ask about flu jabs!