Who is primarily at risk for complications that the pneumococcal vaccine aims to prevent?

The pneumococcal vaccine is designed to protect against infections caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae, which can lead to serious health complications such as pneumonia, meningitis, and bacteremia. Individuals who are asplenic, meaning they have had their spleen removed or have a malfunctioning spleen, are particularly at high risk for these complications. The spleen plays a critical role in the immune system by filtering the blood and helping to fight infections. Without a functioning spleen, the body is less capable of responding effectively to certain bacterial infections, making vaccinations against pathogens like pneumococcus essential for these individuals.

While individuals with chronic lung diseases, asthma, or diabetes are also at risk for complications from pneumococcal infections, asplenic individuals face a significantly higher risk due to their compromised immune response. This makes the pneumococcal vaccine especially crucial for them as a preventive measure against severe consequences from infections that the vaccine is designed to protect against.