New survey reveals over a third of those at risk of a deadly infectious disease

Over one in three people identified by the Australian Governments Department of Health and Ageing as being at risk of serious consequences from pneumococcal disease are unprotected, a national survey reveals.1,2

The Newspoll survey, focussing on the 65 or over age group, also reveals that most (85 percent) Australians in this risk group are aware of pneumococcal disease.1 However, 41 percent said they have not had a pneumococcal vaccination.1

"These results reinforce market evidence that over a third of people aged 65 or over are yet to receive their pneumococcal vaccine," said Associate Professor Michael Woodward, Medical Director of Aged and Residential Care Services at the Austin Hospital, Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital site.

The pneumococcal vaccine has been available free for all people aged 65 or over since 1 January 2005, as part of the Australian Governments Pneumococcal Vaccination Program for Older Australians.2 Associate Professor Woodward said the survey results show those aged 65 or over and their GPs need to be vigilant to ensure everyone is protected.

"Considering those aged 65 or over can visit their local GP for a free pneumococcal vaccination, it is surprising there are still so many people who have not been vaccinated," Associate Professor Woodward said.

Pneumococcal disease is caused by a type of bacteria which lives harmlessly in the throats of many Australians, although it can cause serious consequences to those who are at high risk.3 In addition to those aged 65 or over, others at high risk include those people with underlying risk conditions such as diabetes, chronic heart disease, chronic respiratory disease (such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD]) or renal disease.4

The most common consequence of pneumococcal infection in adults is pneumonia. Other less common serious consequences include:5

Meningitis - inflammation around the brain

Septicaemia - blood poisoning

Endocarditis - an infection of the heart

"Those aged 65 or over or those with an underlying medical condition are even more at risk as their bodys immune system is already compromised. Suffering an infection like pneumonia means the body is only going to have to rely more on its limited defences. I strongly recommend people in these high risk groups talk to their GP about prevention and the benefits of vaccination," said Associate Professor Woodward.

The survey results also showed 48 percent of people aged 65 or over are unaware that some people need to be re-vaccinated against pneumococcal disease.1 The pneumococcal vaccination is generally given once to those aged 65 or over, and then again five years later.2 For those with a risk condition, it is important to seek advice from their doctor as the timing of re-vaccination varies depending on when the initial vaccination was administered.

Interestingly, the survey also found that nearly a quarter of those aged 65 or over personally felt at greater risk of dying from skin cancer than from pneumonia. Recent Australian data shows that in older people, more than twice as many deaths are reported from pneumonia than from melanoma of the skin.6,7

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References:
1. This Newspoll study was conducted by telephone in April 2006 among a representative sample of 237 adults aged 65 years and over nationally. The survey included a number of questions about different aspects and perceived levels of awareness about pneumonia and pneumococcal disease.

2. Immunise Australia Program. National Pneumococcal Vaccination Program for Older Australians. Fact Sheet. January 2006 (online). Found at: http://immunise.health.gov.au/olderaus/over_65sfs.pdf

3. NSW Health Department. Pneumococcal Disease Information. May 2002 (online). Found at: http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/public-health/cdscu/facts/pdf/pneumococcal.pdf

4. National Health and Medical Research Council. The Australian Immunisation Handbook 8th Edition. 2003 (online). Found at: http://immunise.health.gov.au/handbook.htm

5. The Australian Lung Foundation. LungNet News. February 2005 (online). Found at: http://www.lungnet.com.au/news_editions_pdfs/LungNet%20News%20FebV4.pdf

6. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. GRIM Books Version 8. Pneumonia (all forms). 2005

7. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. GRIM Books Version 8. Melanoma. 2005