Pneumococcal vaccines for preventing pneumonia in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Background: People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are at increased risk of pneumococcal disease, especially pneumonia, as well as acute exacerbations with associated morbidity and healthcare costs.

Objectives: To determine the efficacy of injectable pneumococcal vaccination for preventing pneumonia in persons with COPD.

Search Methods: We searched the Cochrane Airways COPD Trials Register and the databases CENTRAL, MEDLINE and Embase, using prespecified terms.