How do vaccines against pneumonia help save lives in older adults and children?
Quick Answer
Pneumococcal vaccines protect against Streptococcus pneumoniae, a major cause of pneumonia, bloodstream infection, and meningitis. They reduce severe disease in both young children and older adults.
The Full Story
Streptococcus pneumoniae can cause dangerous infections in the lungs, blood, and brain, especially in young children, older adults, and people with certain medical conditions. Pneumococcal vaccines include conjugate and polysaccharide formulations that train the immune system to recognize many of the most common strains. These vaccines have dramatically reduced invasive pneumococcal disease in countries with routine immunization programs. They also help lower the spread of vaccine-covered strains in the community. Because pneumococcal disease can be severe and fast-moving, vaccination is a major prevention tool.
Key Facts
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