Using a test-negative design (a type of case control study used to estimate influenza vaccine effectiveness), this study hopes to determine the overall effectiveness of the vaccines PPV23 (Pneumovax 23) and PCV13 (Prevnar 13). Prevention of all cause pneumonia, pneumococcal pneumonia, and invasive pneumonia will also be investigated and determined. It is hoped that the study will show PCV13 to be effective in preventing hospitalization for community-acquired pneumococcal pneumonia, invasive pneumococcal pneumonia and even death. Measurements of the aging immune systems of elderly patients coupled with their overall physical health will help predict the effectiveness of the vaccine.

Team Members:

• Shelly McNeil, Project Lead, Dalhousie University
• Melissa Andrew, Dalhousie University
• Bill Bowie, University of British Columbia
• Stephanie Smith, University of Alberta
• Bruce Light and Dr. Phillipe Legace-Wiens, St. Boniface Hospital
• Mark Loeb, McMaster University
• Allison McGeer, Mt. Sinai Hospital
• Anne McCarthy, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute
• Janet McElhaney, Advanced Medical Research Institute of Canada (AMRIC)
• Louis Valiquette, Université Sherbrooke
• Andre Poirier, Centre Hospitalier Affilié Universitaire Régional
• Duncan Webster, St. John Regional Hospital
• Daniel Smyth, Moncton Regional Hospital