Pneumococcal vaccination in community homes for the elderly : a Maltese perspective

BACKGROUND: Pneumonia is a leading cause of morbidity and
\nmortality worldwide. Vulnerable individuals,
\nsuch as the geriatric population, are at an
\nincreased risk. Streptococcus pneumoniae is the
\nmost common cause of bacterial pneumonia.
\nPneumococcal vaccines offer protection against
\nboth invasive disease and pneumonia caused by
\nthis pathogen. The Centers for Disease Control
\nand Prevention recommends that all adults over
\nthe age of 65 years should be vaccinated.