10-Year Analysis of the Effectiveness of the 13-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Chronic Heart Disease

Background: Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and coronary heart disease (CHD) are at increased risk for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), contributing to higher morbidity and mortality. Pneumococcal vaccination may offer protective benefits in this population. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) on reducing CAP cases, COPD exacerbations, hospitalizations, and improving survival over a 10-year period. Methods: A total of 483 male patients with COPD and/or CHD received a single dose of PCV13 were divided into three groups: Group 1 (n = 140): vaccinated with COPD; Group 2 (n = 167): vaccinated with COPD and CHD; Group 3 (n = 176): unvaccinated with COPD. Primary endpoints included incidence of CAP cases, COPD exacerbations, and hospitalizations over 10 years. Secondary endpoints included all-cause mortality. Generalized linear models were used for primary endpoints; Cox proportional hazards and Kaplan-Meier analysis for survival. Results: Vaccination with PCV13 was significantly associated with fewer CAP cases in COPD only patients, but not in those with both COPD and CHD. CAP, exacerbations, and hospitalizations increased over time (p < .0001 for years 5 and 10), but vaccinated groups consistently showed lower rates in comparison with unvaccinated group. Survival analysis revealed higher survival probabilities over 10 years in both vaccinated groups. Conclusion: PCV13 was associated with reduced incidence of CAP, COPD exacerbations, hospitalizations, and improved long-term survival in patients with COPD and CHD. These findings support the inclusion of PCV13 in clinical guidelines and national immunization programs for high-risk populations.