EFFICACY OF PNEUMOCOCCAL VACCINATION

Polyvalent vaccine: pneumoccocal vaccination is based on the antigenic properties of polysides carried on the bacterial capsule which induce production of bactericidal serotype-specific antibodies. The 23 serot ypes contained in the current vaccine cover 85 to 90% of all strains o bserved in pheumococcal infections in Europe. Proven efficacy: Prospec tive and retrospective studies have demonstrated that pneumococcal vac cination can pre vent 60 to 80% of invasive pneumococcal infections in immunocompetent elderly subjects and/or persons in high-risk groups w ith underlying disorders. Target population: Immunocompetent persons i n the 60-65 year and older age group comprise the target population fo r pneumococcal vaccination. Incidence and mortality of pneumococcal in fections is high in this group. Simple vaccination strategies should b e implemented.