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The 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (Prevnar 13) was first recommended for use in older adults (age, ≥65; NEJM JW Gen Med Apr 1 2015 and Ann Intern Med 2015; 162:214) on the basis of preliminary results from a giant industry-sponsored trial. Final results from this study now have been published.
Almost 85,000 older Dutch adults (mean age, 73) were randomized to receive vaccine or placebo. None had received 23-valent pneumococcal vaccine previously, and about 90% of both groups received annual influenza vaccinations. During median follow-up of 4 years, the vaccine offered significant protection against invasive pneumococcal disease (vaccine efficacy, 75% against disease caused by vaccine-type strains and ≈50% overall). It also protec…