Major survey finds 8 out of 10 older adults at higher risk of pneumonia
report they are not vaccinated against it



Despite 70% of 9,029 older adults surveyed being at higher risk*1,2,3 of catching
pneumonia, only 16% have been vaccinated
In Europe there are an estimated 3 million cases of pneumonia each year, of which
an estimated one million are hospitalised4
Leading experts urge adults to talk to their doctor about vaccination
25 April, 2016 - At the start of European Immunization Week, Ipsos MORI reports findings from one
of the largest pneumonia awareness surveys, involving over 9,000 adults aged 50 and over in nine
EU countries†. The findings suggest that older adults lack understanding about the risks of
pneumonia and how to prevent this disease, which causes over 120,000 deaths per year in Europe.5
Some forms of pneumonia can be prevented through vaccination,6 yet the PneuVUE® (Adult
Pneumonia Vaccine Understanding in Europe) survey identifies that only 3 out of 10 older adults are
aware that it is possible to be vaccinated against this disease. Furthermore, almost three times as
many report being regularly vaccinated against flu‡ than receiving a vaccine against pneumonia,
which is a more deadly disease.5
“Despite the protection that vaccination offers, unacceptable numbers of human beings continue to
die or suffer from this preventable disease,” said Dr Jane Barratt, Secretary General of the
International Federation on Ageing. “Pneumonia can affect anyone, even those who lead a healthy
lifestyle. Effective communication between doctors and patients is needed to ensure those aged 65
and over or those suffering from a chronic condition (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,
asthma, HIV or diabetes) get the protection they need.” Indeed, the decision to have a pneumonia
vaccine was prompted by a family doctor or specialist in 75% of cases, which highlights the
important role of healthcare professionals in protecting people at risk.
Common misunderstandings about how to prevent pneumonia
The survey clearly identifies that vaccination is less commonly seen as a means of preventing
pneumonia, despite it being an effective recommended form of prevention; Vaccination ranked
fourth below ‘keeping fit and healthy’ (92%), ‘not smoking’ (87%), ‘wearing warm clothes’ (69%) and
‘avoiding long periods in air conditioned rooms’ (64%). This implies a disconnect between reality and
perception, with certain ‘myths’ persisting about how to prevent the disease.
Gema, a pneumonia patient aged 67 explains, “I was really surprised when I was told I had
pneumonia. I didn’t think it was a disease that could affect me because I’d always been healthy, I eat
a good diet and keep relatively fit. I was shocked how unwell, weak and powerless it made me feel. I
*
Respondents aged 65 and over or 50-64 years with at least one of the following risk factors: diabetes, heart
disease, a lung condition like COPD or asthma, HIV, weakened immune system, liver disease, organ transplant,
cancer, asplenia or a history of smoking
†
United Kingdom, Germany, France, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece, Austria and Czech Republic
‡
Based on those reported to be vaccinated at least four times in the past five years. Responses may be subject
to prevailing national recommendations and coverage for flu and pneumonia vaccinations
PPPNA-EUR-0400
Page 1 of 3
was in hospital for days and didn’t fully recover for months. I encourage anyone who may be at risk
to protect themselves from this disease.”
Pneumonia is a serious infection of one or both lungs caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi2 and it can
affect anyone,7 including those who exercise, eat healthily and generally take care of themselves.
There are many forms of pneumonia, some of which are commonly spread from person to person
causing infection.8 Bacteria carried in the nose and throat is a common cause of community-acquired
pneumonia, with the majority of cases resulting from the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae.8 The
risk of pneumonia increases as you get older, if you live with a chronic condition, have a weakened
immune system, or if you smoke.1,2,3 People who may be at risk of catching pneumonia should talk to
their healthcare professional about prevention through vaccination.
To find out more about the PneuVUE® survey (Adult Pneumonia Vaccine Understanding in Europe)
please download the Ipsos MORI report at: www.ipsos-mori.com/pneu-vue_pneumonia_report
About the PneuVUE® survey
PneuVUE® is one of the largest ever consumer awareness surveys conducted to understand adult
perceptions of pneumonia and pneumonia vaccination within European countries. Ipsos MORI,
working with sub-contractors Kudos Research, conducted quantitative fieldwork between 23rd
November 2015 and 15th February 2016 on behalf of Pfizer. A total of 9,029 adults aged 50 and over
were surveyed across nine EU countries (approximately 1000 interviews in each of United Kingdom,
Germany, France, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece, Austria and Czech Republic) via 20 minute computer
assisted telephone interviews. Quotas were set on age, gender, location and employment status to
achieve broadly representative samples. Total level results have been weighted to reflect the
number of people aged 50 years and above in each market§, and ensure the sample is nationally
representative.**
About pneumonia in Europe:
In Europe, one of the most frequent causes of death due to infection is community-acquired
pneumonia.4 There are three million cases of pneumonia every year, of which an estimated one
million are hospitalised.4 Annual costs for community acquired pneumonia are estimated to exceed
€10 billion annually.9
-ENDS-
1
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Pneumococcal disease – Risk factors & transmission.
Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/pneumococcal/about/risk-transmission.html [Last accessed: 4 March 2016]
2
British Lung Foundation. Pneumonia. Available at: http://www.blf.org.uk/Page/Pneumonia [Last accessed: 4
March 2016]
§
Whilst this survey was being conducted, a Pfizer awareness campaign was taking place in seven markets.
**
Based on 2011 Eurostat Census data. Available at:
https://ec.europa.eu/CensusHub2/query.do?step=selectHyperCube&qhc=false
PPPNA-EUR-0400
Page 2 of 3
3
American Lung Association. Pneumonia fact sheet. Available at: http://www.lung.org/lung-health-anddiseases/lung-disease-lookup/pneumonia/symptoms-causes-and-risk.html [Last accessed: 4 March 2016]
4
ERS Whitebook. Chapter 18. Acute lower respiratory infections. Available at:
www.erswhitebook.org/chapters/acute-lower-respiratory-infections/ [Last accessed: 4 March 2016]
5
Eurostat. 2013. Causes of death - Deaths by country of residence and occurrence. Available at:
http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/ [Last accessed: 29 March 2016]
6
Schranz J. Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines: What do we know and what do we need? Procedia in
Vaccinology 1. 2009: 189-205
7
Hoare Z and Lim WS. Pneumonia: update on diagnosis and management. British Medical Journal. 2006; 332:
1077-79
8
Immunization Action Coalition. 2016. Ask the Experts: Diseases & Vaccines. Pneumococcal Vaccines (PCV13
and PPSV23). Available at: http://www.immunize.org/askexperts/experts_pneumococcal_vaccines.asp [Last
accessed: 4 March 2016]
9
Welte T, Torres A, Nathwani D. Clinical and economic burden of community-acquired pneumonia among
adults in Europe. Thorax. 2012;67: 71–79.
PPPNA-EUR-0400
Page 3 of 3