Pneumococcal vaccination: an opportunity for emergency medical services

This report examines the literature regarding pneumococcal disease and the current state of pneumococcal vaccination. Improvements in medical care have reduced the number of deaths from pneumococcal disease. However, vaccination is still the most effective measure. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through the Healthy People 2000 and Healthy People 2010 reports, have recommended widespread pneumococcal vaccination practices. In spite of this, vaccination rates remain low among all segments of the population, with minorities and groups at risk for pneumococcal disease the most neglected. The authors propose implementation of emergency medical services (EMS)-delivered vaccination against pneumococcal disease. The epidemiology of pneumococcal disease is presented. The efficacy, availability, and use recommendations for the vaccine are described within this report. Finally, the benefits and possible implementation strategies for EMS delivery are detailed.