Should adult pneumococcal vaccine guidelines be updated throughout Europe?

Abstract

ObjectiveStreptococcus pneumoniae is a major source of morbidity and mortality worldwide. We aimed to evaluate the pneumococcal vaccine policies throughout Europe. MethodsAs all data are not available in the literature, we built-up a questionnaire and requested that the members of the European Geriatric Medicine Society (EUGMS) respond in order to complete the knowledge about pneumococcal vaccine programs. ResultsFifteen answers, combined with literature data, helped to improve the knowledge about vaccine programs. Six countries have no policy. The others have either age-based (n=16) or risk-based (n=21) recommendations. Vaccine coverage appears to be higher in European countries with aged-based recommendations. Still, there is a great heterogeneity concerning risk groups and fundings. ConclusionsA homogeneous age-based recommendation in all European countries likely would be more appropriate.