Adult Pneumonia Vaccination in Long-term Care settings in Canada

The Mobilizing the advocacy of pneumococcal vaccination for older adults in long-term care settings in Canada initiative seeks to improve pneumococcal vaccination uptake amongst older adults and those with underlying chronic conditions in long-term care (LTC) settings in Canada.  Based on the findings from the Driving the agenda of pneumococcal pneumonia vaccination in at-risk populations in community and long-term care project, there was a need to address low pneumococcal vaccination uptake rates amongst this population and the gaps in the lack of clear directives and policies for Canadian LTC settings.  Through a working group of key stakeholders, this initiative looks to improve awareness on pneumococcal disease and vaccination and help build consensus and capacity towards influencing and advocating for LTC policy changes across the country.

In acknowledgement of the different use of the term “long-term care” across Canada, this initiative aims to be synonymous with the “health and housing continuum” and therefore is inclusive of all LTC, congregate and community settings, including retirement homes, nursing homes, residential care homes, continuing care settings, assisted living, supportive housing  and assistive care services such as home care, including settings and services that are both publicly and privately funded, and  for-profit and not-for-profit.

• Pneumococcal Disease and Vaccination Fact Sheet Pamphlet for Older Adults
  This fact sheet provides older Canadians with information on pneumococcal disease and vaccination to help them make informed decisions on their protection against pneumococcal disease.Please download, print, and share this resource as needed.

   

  Click here to download

• Pneumococcal Disease and Vaccination Fact Sheet for Key Stakeholders
  The fact sheet for key stakeholders enables those interested in the health and well-being of older Canadians to understand pneumococcal disease and vaccination.  This fact sheet also helps build stakeholder capacity by outlining ways to advocate in ensuring older adults are vaccinated against pneumococcal disease.Please download, print, and share this resource as needed.

   

  Click here to download

• Pneumococcal Vaccination Eligibility Infographic
  This infographic provides guidance on eligibility for pneumococcal vaccination across provinces and territories in Canada. The infographic details eligibility criteria, based on Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommendations, and region-specific information such as vaccine funding, where to receive vaccination, and individuals considered at high-risk of pneumococcal disease.

   

  Please download, print, and share this resource as needed.

  Click here to download

Pneumococcal disease is a leading cause of hospitalization and mortality in Canada. There is a high prevalence of this disease amongst populations that are most at-risk of serious complications from infection, such as older adults in long-term care settings.

The ‘Driving the agenda of pneumococcal pneumonia vaccination in at-risk populations in community and long-term care’ study was conducted to understand the status of existing public health policies and campaigns on pneumococcal disease in community and long-term care settings and its implications on the uptake of pneumococcal vaccination.   The report highlights policy gaps for pneumococcal vaccination across long-term care settings in Canada and accordingly provides recommendations for policy improvements.