Pneumonia Vaccine Could Prevent Flu Deaths

Because the serious consequences linked to the flu virus are the result of pneumonia, public health authorities are urging individuals to get the pneumonia vaccine to reduce hospitalizations and deaths associated with the virus. The Pneumovax vaccine, made by Merck & Co.,stimulates the body’s ability to neutralize the bacteria responsible for many cases of pneumonia. Preliminary reports presented to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) vaccine committee in June by Dr. Matthew Moore, aCDC medical epidemiologist, indicated that about 40 percent of swine flu-related pneumonia had an unknown cause, and about 30 percent were caused by S. pneumoniae (Pneumovax protects against S. pneumoniae). Based on these statistics, Pneumovax has the potential to prevent an estimated one-third of pneumonia deaths linked to H1N1 flu. In addition, the vaccine provides protection against pneumonia for up to 10 years, so one vaccination provides at least some safeguard not just this year, but for future flu seasons as well.

“We would certainly like to see the vaccine used more extensively,” said Dr. William Schaffner, chairman of the preventive medicine department at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and president-elect of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases. Unfortunately, in the U.S., recommendations have largely gone unnoticed. However, in Europe, the number of individuals getting the vaccine has risen in response to recommendations.