Pneumococcus is a major cause of life-threatening invasive infections accounting for considerable morbidity and mortality among older adult population. The burden of pneumococcal infections (non-invasive) is mostly determined by Community Acquired Pneumonia. Globally and from public health perspective, vaccination has been recognised as a preventive measure of infectious diseases, thereby reducing health care cost, morbidity and mortality. Most high-income countries have included the pneumococcal vaccination in their mandatory and voluntary vaccination policies. However, many low and middleincome countries of the world have not adequately addressed the issue of adult pneumococcal vaccine. This overview describes the current status of pneumococcal vaccination and strategies to reduce the rate of pneumonia in this age group. Our aim is to stimulate the adoption of policies and production of national guidelines for the use of pneumococcal vaccines in Sub-Saharan Africa.
【저자키워드】 community acquired pneumonia, Disease burden, older persons, pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine,