Pneumococcal disease burden and vaccination coverage in older adults: where does Canada stand?

Abstract

Prevention of vaccine-preventable infectious diseases in aging adult population is imperative for healthy aging. Here we reflect on where Canada stands with regard to vaccine-preventable pneumococcal diseases in older adults, specifically the continuing high disease burden, current evidence on effectiveness and observed impact of pneumococcal vaccines, and suboptimal vaccine uptake in older adults. The need for ongoing strong disease surveillance is emphasized, and the implications of a lack of adult vaccine registry are also discussed.