According to the CDC, pneumococcal pneumonia causes an estimated 150,000 hospitalizations each year in the United States.1 Pneumococcal pneumonia vaccination recommendations have existed since the first pneumococcal vaccine was licensed for use in the United States in 1977.2 Pneumococcal vaccines are the best way to help prevent this disease with older adults being at the highest risk for serious illness and death. Vaccination for pneumococcal pneumonia is below the Vaccines National Strategic Plan 2025 target for 65 years or older of 90% and well below the 2025 target of 60% for those with underlying health conditions at increased risk of disease.3
*Key:
Blue - vaccinated adults.
Green - needed to reach Vaccines National Strategic Plan 2025 target.
The current rates of pneumococcal pneumonia vaccination leave a significant number of adults vulnerable to pneumococcal disease.
Adults at Risk for Pneumococcal Pneumonia*:
- Adults 50 years or older
- Adults who have the following underlying medical conditions/risk factors:
- Chronic lung disease including COPD, emphysema and asthma
- Chronic heart, kidney or liver disease
- Smoking cigarettes
- Diabetes
- Weakened immune system
*See the adult immunization schedule for a complete list of risk factors.
American Lung Association Resources:
For Patient Education:
Here you will find educational resources to improve patient pneumococcal pneumonia education and vaccination uptake. Save or download the resources below for use in your practice and to improve patient pneumococcal pneumonia education and vaccination uptake.
Increasing Vaccine Confidence
Studies show that when a healthcare provider strongly recommends a vaccination to a patient, immunization rates increase. Never miss an opportunity to vaccinate. Each time a patient visits your practice (through a telemedicine visit or in-person), is an opportunity to assess, identify and educate the patient on routine, recommended vaccinations including pneumococcal pneumonia.
This educational content supported by a grant from Pfizer Inc.
Page last updated: December 10, 2024
