[The elderly should be vaccinated against pneumococci].

Invasive pneumococcal diseases are associated with substantial mortality in the elderly. The incidence of such diseases, particularly that of bacteraemic pneumococcal pneumonia, has increased in Sweden during the past decade. At the same time, there is a growing problem with beta-lactam-resistant and multiresistant pneumococci in many nearlying countries. Although pneumococcal vaccine probably provides only limited protection against pneumococcal pneumonia in the elderly, it yields approximately 70 per cent protection against invasive pneumococcal disease. Pneumococcal vaccination should therefore be recommended to all those 65 years old and above, and a nationwide strategy developed to implement good coverage in the age group.