Old Mutual Partners With Pfizer For Vaccine Against Pneumonia

Old Mutual Kenya has partnered with Pfizer and Goodlife Pharmacy to offer Pneumococcal vaccination to its insured members.

The vaccination drive targets Old Mutual Health members over 65 years old and those living with chronic conditions. Vaccines are a key tool in reducing the burden of Pneumonia.

Speaking during the official launch of the partnership Old Mutual Health Ag. Managing Director Japheth Ogalloh said, “The global community observed World Pneumonia Day on 12^th November 2022. Pneumonia is a significant public health problem in Kenya and is among the leading causes of death. We are pleased to partner with Pfizer and Goodlife to offer this lifesaving vaccine to our clients. We are also very happy to have Kenya Medical Association here to add the doctor’s voice to this vaccination drive. One of our key learnings from the COVID-19 pandemic is that we should enable all our clients to have access to a wide range of preventive healthcare services.”

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that is commonly caused by viruses or bacteria. It can cause mild to life-threatening illnesses in people of all ages. It is the single largest infectious cause of death in children worldwide. People at risk for pneumonia also include adults over the age of 65 and people living with chronic diseases.

In her remarks, Pfizer Kenya Country Manager and East Africa Cluster Lead, Anne Dembah stated, “Pfizer is honored to be part of this partnership that is at the forefront of fighting invasive pneumococcal disease. We believe in the power of vaccines as a preventative tool against many diseases and have remained committed to helping reduce the impact of pneumococcal disease by investing in research and development to deliver breakthroughs that change the lives of patients with pneumococcal disease.”

In 2011, Kenya was the 1^st African country to introduce the Pneumococcal vaccine into its national childhood vaccination program. The vaccine is given in 3 – 4 doses within the first 18 months of the baby’s life. The Pneumococcal vaccine is now a standard offering in all insurance products, but only for children. For the first time, Old Mutual shall also cover the Pneumococcal vaccine for at-risk adults.

In his remarks, Goodlife Pharmacy Africa Chief Executive Officer Amaan Khalfan, stated, “Goodlife Pharmacy Africa is excited about this partnership with Old Mutual as we deliver quality healthcare and wellness to all. With close to 120 pharmacy stores spread across Kenya and Uganda, we are committed to delivering affordable and accessible preventative care which underlines this vaccination exercise.”

In her remarks, Kenya Medical Association Chief Executive Officer Dr. Brenda Obondo, stated, “The Kenya Medical Association is focused on policy advocacy, development, and implementation as a strategic priority. In reference to a statement issued by KMA on a framework for the creation of a National Policy on Adolescent and Adult vaccination: We acknowledge that as people grow older, they are faced with waning immunity due to various risk factors. Many of the vaccine-preventable diseases in adulthood cause significant morbidity and often mortality. As much as there may be no global approach to adult vaccination, there is a need to safeguard those at risk from prevalent illnesses. KMA applauds Old Mutual and Pfizer for this initiative which is a step in the right direction and whose impact cannot be underestimated”.

In addition to the Pneumococcal vaccine, Old Mutual shall also offer an Influenza vaccine that protects against the Influenza virus, another common viral cause of Pneumonia.

Old Mutual is committed to continuing to provide additional coverage for preventive healthcare services to empower clients by unlocking possibilities.