Elderly Health

Infections caused by the pneumococcal bacteria (Streptococcus pneumoniae) are a significant cause of illness and death worldwide, especially among children and the elderly. These infections include pneumonia, ear infections, and invasive diseases such as meningitis, bloodstream infections, and sepsis (1). Risk factors for complications include age (over 65 and under 2), chronic conditions like diabetes, heart and lung diseases, and weakened immune systems. Pneumococcus is common, with higher rates of illness in adults during winter months. The adult pneumococcal vaccine contains purified polysaccharide antigens from 23 common strains and is 50%-70% effective against invasive disease, though effectiveness decreases with age and falls below 50% in those over 85 (2). The Ministry of Health recommends vaccination starting at age 2 for high-risk groups, and for adults 65 and older who have never been vaccinated or who received a dose before age 65 if at least 5 years have passed since that dose. (3)