In an ageing population with a high burden of vaccine-preventable diseases such as pneumococcal pneumonia, vaccines are equally as important in adults as they are in children2.
Older adults have a far higher risk of contracting infections and severe complications than younger people, and their impact is often greater, with poorer outcomes2.
Even if you are healthy, there are risk factors for catching pneumococcal pneumonia. That is because as we age, our immune systems naturally weaken, making it harder to fight off infections like pneumococcal pneumonia3.
Once the bacteria invade the lungs and bloodstream, they can cause serious illness3.
65 or older? You may be at greater risk for pneumococcal pneumonia3.
Here is why – Because our immune system weakens with age, it is harder for our bodies to fight off infections and diseases like pneumococcal pneumonia, even for healthy adults3.
Risk for hospitalization with pneumococcal pneumonia increases with age3.
*Depend on risk groups (healthy; adults included those without evidence of any high-risk or at-risk condition, at risk; adults included those who were immunocompetent with 1 or more chronic medical conditions or high risk; adults included those who were immunocompromised or had a cochlear implant)3.
^Greater risk compared to healthy adults aged 18-493.
YOU ANSWERED: 18–49
That’s great! You may not be at risk based on age alone.
Age alone may not put you at risk now, but it’s important to remember that the risk for pneumococcal pneumonia increases with age3.
YOU ANSWERED: 50-64
May be at risk based on age
Age is one of the risk factors for pneumococcal pneumonia. Even healthy adults as young as 50 may be at risk3.
YOU ANSWERED: 65 and above
May be at increased risk based on age.
Age is one of the risk factors for pneumococcal pneumonia, and even healthy adults aged 65 years or older are at increased risk for pneumococcal disease.3
Adapted from https://www.preventpneumonia.com.my/am-i-at-risk/. Last accessed: 10 May 2022.
Chronic conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, heart disease, and diabetes may increase pneumococcal pneumonia risk3.
Chronic conditions can make people more vulnerable to potentially serious illnesses like pneumococcal pneumonia3.
Certain chronic conditions increase risk in adults aged 65 and above3*.
*Compared to healthy adults 65 years and above.
COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
YOU ANSWERED: YES
May be at risk based on chronic conditions.
Chronic conditions like COPD, asthma, heart disease, and diabetes can increase the risk for pneumococcal pneumonia.3
YOU ANSWERED: NO
That’s great! You may not be at risk based on chronic conditions.
Although you may not be at risk due to chronic conditions, it is important to remember that one of the risk factors for pneumococcal pneumonia is age.3
Adapted from https://www.preventpneumonia.com.my/am-i-at-risk/. Last accessed: 10 May 2022.
Smoking damages fragile lung tissue, making the lungs more vulnerable to infection3.
When lung tissue is damaged by smoking, there is a higher risk of infection by the bacteria that cause pneumococcal pneumonia3.
YOU ANSWERED: YES
May be at risk.
Certain lifestyle factors, such as smoking, can damage the fragile tissue lining the lungs. This makes the lung more vulnerable to pneumococcal pneumonia.3
YOU ANSWERED: NO
That’s great! You may not be at risk.
However, it is important to remember that even healthy adults aged 65 or older are at increased risk for pneumococcal pneumonia.3
Adapted from https://www.preventpneumonia.com.my/am-i-at-risk/. Last accessed: 10 May 2022.
Ongoing vaccination is a crucial cornerstone in keeping our communities healthy as it protects us from many serious infectious diseases at every stage of life2.
Download our FREE vaccination journal to learn more! Bring it with you to health checks and ask your doctor to fill the information for each vaccine you receive. That way, you can keep an accurate and up-to-date immunisation record.
Consult a doctor online. Get a free consultation for adults on DoctorOnCall and ask a doctor about pneumococcal vaccination today. This initiative is supported and fully funded by DoctorOnCall.
References
- Prevent Pneumonia. Did You Know? Last accessed: 14 April 2022. Retrieved from: https://www.preventpneumonia.com.my/did-you-know/
- CodeBlue. Why The Elderly Should Get Pneumococcal Vaccine. Last accessed: 14 April 2022. Retrieved from: https://codeblue.galencentre.org/2021/05/21/why-the-elderly-should-get-pneumococcal-vaccine/
- Prevent Pneumonia. Am I At Risk? Last accessed: 14 April 2022. Retrieved from: https://www.preventpneumonia.com.my/am-i-at-risk/