A new educational campaign from the American Lung Association highlights that pneumococcal pneumonia causes 225,000 hospitalizations annually among adults in the US.
RT’s Three Key Takeaways:
- High Hospitalization Burden: Pneumococcal pneumonia leads to approximately 225,000 hospitalizations among adults in the US every year, according to the American Lung Association.
- Chronic Condition Risk: Adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma face a significantly higher risk of developing the infection compared to those without these conditions.
- Updated Vaccination Guidance: The American Lung Association and Pfizer are urging adults aged 50 and older and those with specific underlying conditions to discuss vaccination with their healthcare providers.
The American Lung Association launched an educational effort in partnership with Pfizer to increase awareness of pneumococcal pneumonia vaccination, as the infection causes approximately 225,000 hospitalizations among adults in the US annually.
Pneumococcal pneumonia is the most common type of bacterial pneumonia and is caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, a bacteria typically found in the upper respiratory tract. While the bacteria is common, it can cause sudden symptoms including fever, chills, cough, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Severe cases may lead to airway blockage, collapsed lungs, or other life-threatening complications.
“Pneumococcal pneumonia is more than just a bad cold or minor infection—it can be serious, especially for older adults and those living with certain underlying medical conditions. This disease can strike at any time of year, and if you are at increased risk, now is the right moment to speak with a healthcare provider about protection,” said Harold Wimmer, president and CEO of the American Lung Association, in a news release.
Age and underlying health status are primary risk factors for the disease. In 2023, more than 11 million adults in the US were estimated to have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and 23 million were estimated to have asthma. Both conditions increase the likelihood of developing pneumococcal pneumonia. Data also shows that adults aged 65 to 100 are over 10 times more likely to be hospitalized with the infection than those aged 18 to 49.
Current vaccination recommendations include all adults aged 50 and older. Additionally, vaccination is recommended for adults aged 19 to 49 who have certain underlying medical conditions, such as chronic lung, heart, or liver disease, or those who smoke cigarettes.
The American Lung Association noted that individuals can contract pneumococcal pneumonia more than once, which underscores the importance of staying current with immunizations. Furthermore, having the flu can increase a person’s risk for the bacterial infection. Even for those previously vaccinated, healthcare providers may recommend additional doses depending on the type and timing of the earlier vaccination.
