Uncovering the health system burden of pneumococcal infections in adult and elderly populations

Abstract Background Health system resources dedicated to vaccination and infectious disease prevention are often directed towards infants and children, through extensive childhood vaccination schedules. This focus has led to the near eradication of several preventable childhood diseases and had positive impacts on population health, but despite this track record of success, the ability of our health systems to make vaccinations accessible throughout the full life course has been less consistent. This project aims to address this issue by providing new data about the burden that pneumococcal infections, which are vaccine-preventable, have on adult and elderly populations. Methods This research aims to uncover the health system burden of invasive pneumococcal disease and pneumococcal pneumonia at all levels of the health system in 5 EU countries (Austria, Belgium, France, Italy & Portugal). This involves a survey of managers and care providers working in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and primary care centres who may be affected by the health system impacts of pneumococcal infections. The survey covers several dimensions of health service delivery to collect a broad range of data on existing disruptions. The survey was translated into the study country languages and its formulation was further validated through interviews with experts in each study country to ensure that it can capture context-specific health system insights. The data collected through this survey will be further enhanced through a series of in-depth interviews before being synthesised, analysed and eventually published in a detailed report. Results Data collection begins as of 15 May 2024, and full results are expected to be published and available for the EPH Conference in November 2024. The results of this research will offer valuable evidence to public health professionals, health managers and policy-makers across Europe who are working to improve life-course access to pneumococcal vaccination. Key messages • Effective vaccination programmes for adult and elderly populations require expanding focus beyond childhood. • Data about the health system burden of pneumococcal infections in adult and elderly populations improves evidence-based decision-making and public health services.