LAUSR

Streptococcus pneumoniae (Spn) will cause various pneumococcal diseases when host has a weak immune system. The World Health Organization ranks it as one of the 12 key pathogens causing heavy burden of disease. At present, the drug resistance of Spn is rising, and vaccination is an important and effective strategy to decrease the burden of disease. The 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23) is a preventive vaccine for adults that covers 65% to 91% of Spn isolates worldwide. Accumulating evidence have confirmed the effectiveness of PPV23 in decreasing the incidence, hospitalization, mortality, and economic burden of pneumococcal diseases in adults. The burden of pneumococcal diseases in China is heavy, but the adult vaccination rate is low. Here, we review the prevalence of adult pneumococcal diseases, the preventive and protective effects and benefits of PPV23 vaccine on high-risk population, especially the elderly individuals. We hope this review can provide references and new ideas for adult PPV23 vaccination programs in China.