Septicemia is a bacterial infection that infects the bloodstream. It is the 12 th leading cause of death in the United States, and 10 th among persons 65 years of age and older. This study found that septicemia hospitalization rates have been stable for the previous five years. These findings suggest that septicemia hospitalizations and deaths could be reduced if greater numbers of older adults including nursing home residents receive a pneumonia vaccination.
Influenza can increase a patient s susceptibility to pneumonia.
Therefore, both influenza and pneumonia vaccinations may prevent the chain of events leading to septicemia. The next study in the Health Outcomes Series will focus on caesarean deliveries in Florida hospitals, and will be released early next year.