Public Health Policy, research + analysis

Prioritising prevention: Addressing the burden of pneumococcal disease

February 2024

Prioritising prevention | Addressing the burden of pneumococcal disease

As a leading health advisory firm, we recognise the urgency of addressing the burden of pneumococcal disease (PD). Despite its significant impact, PD often remains overlooked in public health discussions, overshadowed by other infectious diseases like influenza, or, more recently, COVID-19. Effective measures to tackle this burden require a multifaceted approach, encompassing robust disease surveillance, strategic immunisation initiatives and proactive preventative health measures.

Our latest report developed from extensive research and epidemiological analysis, underscores the critical need for action. Without understanding the true burden of disease, we risk underestimating the impact of PD and ultimately our ability to implement effective public health interventions.

Without knowing the true burden, it is impossible to implement targeted and fit-for-purpose prevention strategies.

Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) is one of over 70 notifiable diseases that present a risk to public health. IPD infection data is tracked via the National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System.(NNDSS). Whilst strides have been made in IPD surveillance, data gaps persist, hindering, our understanding of disease prevalence and distribution across Australia.

Central to reducing the burden of PD is also a robust immunisation strategy. Australia’s National Immunisation Program (NIP) has long provided free access to vaccines, particularly targeting our most vulnerable populations. Pneumococcal vaccination rates in children stand commendably high at around 95%, however, alarming gaps persist among older Australians, with only 20% aged between 71-79 years of age vaccinated.

Furthermore, vaccine efficacy emerges as a critical factor in reducing PD burden. With over 100 different serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae identified, each carrying varying degrees of risk, targeted immunisation strategies become imperative. Serotype 3, often dubbed the ‘sugar coated killer’, is particularly problematic and has an approximate 30 per cent mortality rate, increasing to 47% of the person has multiple co-morbidities.

To confront the formidable challenge of PD, we must first quantify its burden and then invest in tailored preventative health interventions. Our report, ‘Prioritising Prevention’ backed by an esteemed Advisory Committee, presents six actionable recommendations aimed at alleviating the burden of PD and safeguarding public health.

Join us in prioritising prevention and forging a healthier future for all Australians.

Develop a national PD strategy to reduce the burden of disease, including invasive and non-invasive disease.

Enhance surveillance and testing practices for PD to ensure better data are available to quantify the true burden of disease.

Provide funded PD vaccines through the NIP for those with identified at-risk conditions.

Through a targeted PD awareness campaign, provide information to empower and enable patients and healthcare professionals to make informed decisions about PD prevention.