[Vaccination against community acquired pneumonia in adult patients. A position paper by Neumoexpertos en Prevención]

Abstract

Introduction: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in adults. The annual incidence of CAP in adults in Spain ranges from 3 to 14 cases per 1,000 inhabitants. Current clinical guidelines primarily focus on the therapeutic approach to CAP rather than its prevention. The aim of this study is to develop and propose a practical guide for CAP prevention through vaccination in Spain according to available vaccines and evidence.

Methods: A literature review and expert opinion.

Results: Pneumococcal and influenza vaccines are the main preventive tools available against CAP. Age, chronic diseases, and immunosuppression are risk factors for pneumonia, so these populations should be a priority for vaccination. In addition, influenza and pneumococcal vaccination is considered advisable in healthy adults under 60 years of age, and anyone with risk condition for CAP, irrespective of age. The influenza vaccine will be administered seasonally, while pneumococcal vaccination can be administered at any time of the year.

Conclusions: Vaccination against pneumococcus and influenza in adults can help to reduce the burden of CAP and its associated complications. The available evidence supports the priority indications set out in this guide, and it would be advisable to try to achieve a wide circulation and practical implementation of these recommendations.

Keywords: Community-acquired pneumonia; Flu vaccination, Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine; Neumonía adquirida en la comunidad; Vacuna antineumocócica conjugada; Vacuna antineumocócica polisacárida; Vacunación antigripal.