Epidemiological characteristics associated with uptake of pneumococcal vaccine among older adults living in the community in Singapore: Results from the National Health Surveillance Survey 2013

Abstract

There is a need to boost pneumococcal vaccination coverage among community-dwelling older adults. These findings provide insights into reviewing and tailoring public-health strategies and programmes to increase vaccine uptake in at-risk population groups.

Vaccination knowledge and acceptability among pregnant women in Italy

“…The findings on the effect of education are in line with those reported in previous work. 16,23,[28][29][30][31] Furthermore, another remarkable finding was related to the number of children. Women with lower number of children had a poor knowledge, higher risk-perception, and less willingness to be vaccinated.…”

Decline in pneumococcal disease incidence in the time of COVID-19 in Singapore

“…Streptococcus pneumoniae is transmitted via respiratory droplets and contributes to significant morbidity and mortality in Singapore, especially at the extremes of age ( 5 ). Pneumococcal vaccination is recommended for adults aged 65 years and above or who have specific medical conditions; however, it is currently non-mandatory and vaccination rates have been low ( 6 ). Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) is a 1,600-bed adult tertiary care hospital, co-located with the National Centre of Infectious Diseases (NCID), a 330-bed purpose-built facility for centralised management of emerging infectious diseases.…”

Pneumococcal Vaccination in Adults

“…Two published studies on the uptake of pneumococcal vaccines in Singapore, namely, a study by Ang et al in 2013 13 , and a study by Ho et al in 2017 14 , both provide useful information on factors associated with poor uptake of pneumococcal vaccines, Currently, the National Childhood Immunisation Programme (NCIP) aims to achieve herd immunity among children in the population and reduce the risk of disease outbreaks and the morbidity and mortality associated with common childhood illnesses including pneumonia. e current pneumococcal vaccine immunization strategy recommended by ACIP in the US and by our local vaccine experts including the College of Family Physicians 8 is to continue with the use of PPSV23 and add to this PCV13 to enhance the vaccine protection.…”

“…A two-staged strati ed sampling of a database containing all dwellings was done and the study sample of 3672 residents provided the information on factors associated with uptake of pneumococcal vaccination. 13 shows the characteristics found to be associated with increased pneumococcal vaccination uptake: • Socio-demographic characteristics: higher monthly household income, marital status of separated, divorced, or widowed; and higher educational level. • Health-related characteristics: having a regular doctor, and a trend of moderately good to good self-rated health.…”