New Vaccination Strategy Aims to Protect Older Adults from Pneumococcal infections
Streptococcus pneumoniae, a leading cause of respiratory infections, continues to pose a meaningful threat to public health, particularly among children under 5 and adults over 65. According to the High Authority for Health (HAS), this bacterium is responsible for 40% of invasive infections, including meningitis and bacteremia.Despite mandatory vaccination for infants as 2018 and recommendations for at-risk adults since July 2023, the incidence of these infections remains alarmingly high in older populations.
A Growing Concern for Older Adults
The risk of pneumococcal infections increases dramatically with age. HAS reports that the incidence is “6 times larger at 89 and over, than at the age of 50 (37.7 per 100,000 inhabitants against 6 cases per 100,000 inhabitants).” Mortality rates are equally concerning, ranging from 10 to 30%. Pneumococcal pneumonia, for instance, affects “1 in 10 hospitalized patients, see more in elderly patients.”
To address this, HAS has simplified the vaccination process for at-risk individuals by recommending a single dose of the health conditions.
The Prevenar-20 vaccine can be administered “concomitantly with seasonal vaccines” against the flu, simplifying the vaccination process. HAS emphasizes the importance of maintaining eligibility criteria for adults aged 18 to 64 who are at increased risk of invasive pneumococcal infections.
Simplifying the Vaccination Calendar
The goal of HAS is twofold: to simplify the vaccination schedule and increase coverage.Currently, four vaccines—COVID, flu, shingles, and pneumococcus—and one booster (DTP) are recommended for individuals aged 65 and over. This streamlined approach aims to ensure broader protection for older adults.
Nurses’ Expanded Role in Vaccination
Since August 2023, nurses have been authorized to prescribe and administer vaccines listed in the vaccination calendar, with some exceptions for live vaccines in immunocompromised individuals. This change is expected to enhance accessibility and efficiency in vaccination efforts.
| Key Points on Pneumococcal Vaccination |
|——————————————–|
| Target Population: Adults aged 65+ |
| Vaccine: Prevenar-20 (single dose) |
| Incidence: 6x higher at 89+ vs. 50 |
| Mortality: 10-30% in severe cases |
| Concurrent Vaccines: Flu, COVID, shingles |
The HAS’s new recommendations underscore the critical need to protect older adults from pneumococcal infections. By expanding vaccination eligibility and simplifying the process, the authority aims to reduce the burden of these possibly deadly infections.