In older adults, pneumococcal pneumonia continues to be a leading cause of death. The incidence of pneumonia and related mortality are highest in adults ≥65 years of age and patients with comorbidities, with pneumococci remaining the leading cause of bacteria infection. More concerning is the effect pneumococcal infections can have when they breach the lungs and become invasive. Pneumococcal meningitis is the most frequent and severe suppurative complication associated with pneumococcal bacteremia. Even with appropriate antimicrobial treatment, pneumococcal meningitis has a mortality rate of 20 to 30 percent. Luckily, the increased rates of vaccination and serotypes covered by various vaccines have caused significant reductions in the incidence of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD). Clinicians treating those at risk of pneumococcal pneumonia and IPD require focused education on the impact of pneumococcal pneumonia and IPD, the importance of serotypes in pneumococcal disease and IPD, guideline updates, and information on recent approvals and evidence.

Learning Objectives

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At the conclusion of this activity, participants should be able to:

• Analyze the implications and impact of pneumococcal pneumonia and IPD across patient populations
• Compare and contrast the characteristics and evidence underlying currently available, recently approved, and emerging pneumococcal vaccinations
• Incorporate the most current ACIP guidelines for pneumococcal vaccination into clinical decision-making

Acknowledgment of Commercial Support

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This activity is supported by an educational grant from Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC.