Pneumococcal Vaccine Coverage in Adults Aged 19-64 Years, Newly Diagnosed With Chronic Conditions in the U.S

This study examined pneumococcal vaccine coverage in adults aged 19-64 years newly diagnosed with diabetes, chronic heart, lung, or liver disease. These conditions are indicated for pneumococcal vaccination by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.

A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted in 2016 using the Truven Health MarketScan® database. The study population was adults aged 19-64 years with at least one new chronic condition during 2009-2013 and continuous health plan enrolment for 2 years before and 1 year after the initial diagnosis. Vaccine coverage by length of follow-up since diagnosis (ranging from 1 to 5 years) was summarized. Multivariate analyses were performed to understand factors associated with vaccination.

A total of 552,942 adults aged 19-64 years with chronic conditions were identified. There were 8% of adults newly diagnosed with one of four chronic conditions that received a pneumococcal vaccination after 1 year of follow-up; the proportion increased to 20.1% among those with 5 years of follow-up data. Adults aged 50-64 years were more likely to be vaccinated than those aged 19-49 years. Adults with diabetes were more likely to be vaccinated than adults with chronic heart, lung, or liver disease. Adults enrolled in HMO plans were more likely to be vaccinated than adults in other plan types. A higher number of healthcare encounters increased the likelihood of vaccination. Adults who received influenza vaccination were also more likely to receive a pneumococcal vaccination.

Vaccine coverage remains well below Healthy People 2020 targets. A substantial number of adults with chronic conditions remain unvaccinated and at risk for pneumococcal disease.