Reducing pneumococcal risk in people aged 65 years and over

Abstract

Disease due to pneumococcus (Streptococcus pneumoniae) remains a major source of illness in older people. Conjugated pneumococcal vaccines are used extensively in national paediatric programs, whereas a 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine is mainly used in older people and high-risk groups. Data from the Netherlands have led to licensing of a conjugated pneumococcal vaccine for older people in Australia. This review examines current recommendations on pneumococcal vaccines.