P: Adults 65 years and older
I: Pneumococcal immunizations
C: Not receiving the vaccine
O: Reduction of pneumococcal infections
Link to nursing practice. The adult population, especially 65 years and over, may be susceptible to many common illnesses. Infections related to Streptococcus pneumoniae are one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the world (de Soarez, Sartori, Freitas, Nishikawa, & Novaes, 2015). According to the CDC (2012), there are greater than 90 serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae that have been identified and ten strains account for approximately 62% of pneumococcal infections (as cited in Rittle, 2014). Pneumococcal infections can be bacterial, viral or caused by fungi (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2014). Pneumococcal vaccinations are just a start in protecting the outpatient population of adults 65 years and older. …show more content…
Vaccinations are available across the lifespan for children, adolescents, and adults. The focus on vaccination is typically geared toward improving child and adolescent immunization rates, with little focus on adult immunizations; however, research has found that adults over 65 have not been immunized as recommended guidelines suggest for protection against pneumococcal infections (Leigh & Sudduth,