Preventing pneumonia: the role for pneumococcal and influenza vaccines.
Streptococcus pneumoniae and influenza cause a wide spectrum of illness and result in substantial morbidity and mortality. They are significant public health concerns, and vaccines against both organisms exist. The pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine has been available in its current form for over 20 years. Nonetheless, definitive evidence from prospective trials of its efficacy is lacking. Experts recommend that patients at high risk for pneumococcal infection and complications from this process be vaccinated. The role for revaccination remains controversial. Traditional influenza vaccine is composed of three virus types and decreases rates of serologically confirmed cases of influenza, hospital admissions for respiratory infection, and mortality. The pneumococcal and influenza vaccines are considered cost-effective options for pneumonia prevention.
Shorr
Andrew F
AF
Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, 6900 Georgia Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20307, USA. afshorr@dnamail.com
D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D007252:Influenza Vaccines; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000517:prevention & control*; D022242:Pneumococcal Vaccines; D011018:Pneumonia, Pneumococcal / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011024:Pneumonia, Viral / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D007252:Influenza Vaccines; D022242:Pneumococcal Vaccines