Vaccinating adults with new pneumonia vaccine more cost-effective

A new study suggests vaccinating adults against one of the most common causes of pneumonia with a new vaccine, which has virtually eliminated this infection in children, is more cost effective than using the current vaccine. Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine has been routinely given to children in the United States since 2000. In December 2011, the government approved this new conjugate vaccine for use in adults, but an older version, pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine, is still being routinely used. “This new study may aid policy makers who must review and decide whether to change the current recommendations for vaccinating adults against this common serious kind of infection,” said Shapiro, professor of pediatrics, epidemiology and public health, and investigative medicine. “Cost-effectiveness studies allow experts to assess the costs and benefits of different strategies and decide what strategy is best for preventing or treating a disease.”