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Older Americans Getting Pneumonia Shots But
Not Enough
Newswise, November 9, 2010 — Between 2000
and 2007, the proportion of Americans age 65
and older who were vaccinated against
pneumonia increased from 53 percent to 58
percent, but the rate fell far short of the
Healthy People 2010 goal of 90 percent for
pneumonia vaccinations in that age group,
according to the latest News and Numbers
from the Agency for Healthcare Research and
Quality. Healthy People 2010 is a federal
initiative which provides a framework for
prevention for the nation.
The federal agency found that by 2007 :
• About 60 percent of the elderly white
seniors, 44 percent of elderly blacks, and
32 percent of Hispanic elders reported being
vaccinated against pneumonia.
• In contrast, the rate for Asians and
Pacific Islanders. decreased from 42 percent
to 34.5 percent.
• The rates for lower- and higher -income
elderly Americans were 49 percent and 61
percent, respectively
This AHRQ News and Numbers is based on
information in the 2009 National Healthcare
Disparities Report (http://www.ahrq.gov/qual/qrdr09.htm,
pages 70-71), which examines the disparities
in Americans' access to and quality of
health care, with breakdowns by race,
ethnicity, income, and education.
