May 1, 2003

Effectiveness of Pneumococcal Vaccine in Older Adults

This population-based, retrospective study of more than 47,000 older persons assessed the effectiveness of pneumococcal vaccination. Vaccination was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of pneumococcal bacteremia, but over three years of follow-up there was no reduction in the risk of community-acquired pneumonia (hazard ratio, 1.07).

Although pneumococcal vaccination helps protect older persons against life-threatening bacteremia, it provides little if any protection against pneumonia. Other strategies are needed to prevent the nonbacteremic manifestations of pneumococcal infection.