Does the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine reduce the risk pneumonia?
No. According to the recent Group Health study, the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine does not reduce the overall risk of pneumonia. However, the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine is effective in preventing bloodstream infection with the pneumoccocus bacterium, which can be associated with pneumonia. Although this bloodstream infection is relatively uncommon, it is the most serious form on pneumococcoal infection and is fatal in about 20 percent of cases. Should seniors continue to get the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine? Yes. The vaccine is currently recommended for people over age 65 as well as younger people with chronic illnesses, such as heart or lung disease or diabetes, and people with weakened immune systems. New evidence from the Group Health study does not change this recommendation. In addition, seniors should get annual flu vaccines to protect them against pneumonia and other illness caused by the influenza virus.
