This reminder just came in from the DPH about the use of the pneumococcal vaccine for influenza pandemic preparedness. For further information go to the following link on H1N1 (Swine) flu pandemic preparedness.

• Influenza predisposes individuals to bacterial community-acquired pneumonia.  During previous pandemics, secondary bacterial pneumonia has been an important cause of morbidity and mortality, with 7-20 percent of persons with influenza infection during 1918-1919 developing secondary bacterial pneumonia, depending on the population and the phase of the pandemic.  Attack rates of secondary bacterial pneumonia during the less severe 20th century pandemics are less well-documented but are thought to be lower, perhaps five percent.
• Among those who acquired secondary bacterial pneumonia during pandemics, 20-36 percent died.  In virtually all published series, Streptococcus pneumoniae has been the most common etiology of secondary bacterial pneumonia, accounting for 25-75 percent of cases.  Severe pneumococcal pneumonia associated with inter-pandemic influenza has also been described.
• *** To reduce the burden of secondary bacterial pneumonia during the next influenza pandemic, CDC urges healthcare providers and state immunization programs to improve pneumococcal vaccination delivery systems for patients under their care so that national vaccine coverage increases.  The ideal time to accelerate vaccination efforts is during the inter-pandemic and pandemic alert phases when the threat of a pandemic is not imminent.
• At this time, CDC does not recommend changes to existing recommendations for use or stockpiling of pneumococcal vaccines in anticipation of a pandemic.

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