Pneumococcal vaccine and patients with chronic lung disease.

We reviewed data that evaluated both the risk for pneumococcal pneumonia in patients with chronic lung disease and the protection afforded these patients by current pneumococcal vaccines. No conclusive documentation of increased risk for pneumococcal pneumonia in this population exists, and data suggest that the protection provided by the vaccine in healthy persons may be reduced in patients with chronic lung disease. We conclude, on the basis of available data, that routine vaccination of all patients with chronic lung disease is not warranted.