There are an estimated 175,000 hospitalized cases of pneumococcal pneumonia, 34,500 cases of bacteremia, and 2,200 cases of meningitis each year in the United States. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), invasive pneumococcal disease causes about 4,800 deaths annually. Bacteremia and meningitis are responsible for the highest rates of death among the elderly and patients who have underlying medical conditions.
A vaccine has been available for more than 20 years and is recommended for routine use in everyone 65 years of age and older. Still, more than one-third of people this age range has never received the pneumococcal vaccine. A different vaccine is recommended for routine use in all infants at 2, 4, and 6 months of age with a booster dose given at 12 to 15 months of age.
Pneumococcal disease can also cause very serious illness in children. In fact, pneumococcal disease is the most common cause of invasive bacterial infection in children in the US. Children under age 2 years fall into the highest general risk group for invasive pneumococcal infections.
NFID is committed to providing education about pneumococcal disease and how to protect themselves and their loved ones. Talk to your healthcare provider about pneumococcal disease and its prevention. Being protected against this disease is especially important for adults 65 years of age and older.
Individuals with weak immune systems, sickle cell disease or a chronic illness; Alaskan Natives; certain American Indian populations; and residents of chronic or long-term care facilities are also more susceptible to pneumococcal disease.
Learn more about pneumococcal disease in adults and the vaccines to prevent it.