The risk of invasive pneumococcal disease increases with age, especially after age 65, and is higher in people with chronic diseases. 2 Increasing antimicrobial resistance of S. pneumoniae across Canada adds urgency to the situation and speaks to the importance of prevention. Pneumococcal vaccine is safe, efficacious and cost-effective. It has been commercially available since 1983, and all provinces provide it free for at least some high-risk groups. Nevertheless, pneumococcal vaccine is sadly underused in Canada.
Vaccination is recommended for the following groups.
People aged 65 years and older. For most people a single dose of pneumococcal vaccine provides long-lasting protection. However, booster doses are recommended for those at highest risk of fatal infection. Older children or adults who have asplenia, nephrotic syndrome or renal failure or who are transplant recipients should be revaccinated after 6 years. Children with sickle-cell anemia, asplenia or nephrotic syndrome who are 10 years old or younger should be revaccinated after 3 to 5 years.