Effect of Pneumococcal Vaccination in Hospitalized Adults With Community-Acquired Pneumonia

Abstract

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a common illness resulting in considerable morbidity and mortality.¹Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common cause of CAP, accounting for 30% to 50% of all cases.² Since 1983, a 23-valent polysaccharide pneumococcal vaccine has been available for use in adults, although vaccination rates in populations at risk (eg, elderly subjects, nursing home residents, and those with chronic pulmonary and nonpulmonary conditions) are still considered to be suboptimal.³ This may be owing in part to ongoing controversy regarding the actual effectiveness or utility of the vaccine.^4,5