Adult Pneumococcal Vaccination in Latin America: The Next Step Beyond Pediatric Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine

Pneumococcal disease remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality among adults, particularly older individuals and those with chronic medical conditions. While pediatric pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) programs have substantially reduced vaccine-type disease and generated indirect protection through herd effects, a persistent burden of pneumococcal infection continues to affect adult populations in Latin America. Demographic ageing, the growing prevalence of chronic diseases, immunosenescence, and shifts in circulating pneumococcal serotypes contribute to sustaining this residual risk despite successful pediatric vaccination strategies. As epidemiologic patterns evolve, prevention policies must also adapt. Direct vaccination of adults offers an opportunity to reduce severe pneumococcal disease, hospitalisations, and preventable deaths among high-risk populations. Integrating adult pneumococcal vaccination into existing healthcare platforms, including primary care visits, chronic disease management programs, and hospital discharge protocols, represents a feasible pathway for implementation in the region. Strengthening adult immunisation strategies should therefore be viewed as the logical next step in pneumococcal disease prevention in Latin America, complementing the substantial progress achieved through pediatric vaccination programs.