Pneumonia's Hidden Toll: Why Older Adults in France Are at Risk
Pneumococcal disease (PD) is a significant health concern in France, particularly among adults with underlying health conditions or those aged 65 and above. A recent study, analyzing data from 2015 to 2018, sheds light on the magnitude of this problem.
Key Findings
- Hospitalization Rates:
- Out of nearly 8 million adults with other health issues, approximately 122 out of every 100,000 people required hospitalization due to PD.
The rates were even higher among those over 65 and individuals with medium or high health risks.
- Total Hospitalizations:
- Over 41,000 adults were hospitalized due to PD.
- More than half of these patients were aged 65 and above.
- Tragically, about 26.5% of these patients died within a year of their first hospitalization.
The Need for Vaccination
The study underscores the severity of PD in France, especially among older adults and those with pre-existing health conditions. Despite the availability of a vaccine to prevent PD, many eligible individuals are not receiving it.
Recent Developments
France has recently expanded its vaccination program to include all adults over 65, regardless of their health status. This initiative aims to reduce the burden of PD in the country.