The Singapore Family Physician

Back to issue Vol 36 No. 2 - Vaccinations 2010 - What’s Old, What’s New

SFP Vol36(2).Unit5

Wong Sin Yew
The Singapore Family Physician Vol 36 No 2 - Vaccinations 2010 - What’s Old, What’s New
22 - 25
1 April 2010
0377-5305
Pneumococcus is the most common cause of community acquired pneumonia(CAP) accounting for 19-25% of all cases. The incidence of cAp increases with age and so does the morbidity and mortality. hospitalization rates for cAp in the elderly (>65 years) have been reported to range from 31-78%. The increase in the elderly population globally and in singapore makes intervention in reducing pneumococcal disease an important priority. At this time, pneumococcal disease is potentially the leading cause of vaccine preventable disease in man. Researchers focused on the improving the immunogenicity by using a protein conjugate to prime the immune system and to induce longer lasting memory.