Pneumonia prevention is focused on the pathogens that cause disease, through vaccination and by managing the risks associated with disease development.
The main means of prevention are pneumococcal and influenza vaccination of at-risk people and smoking cessation.[1]Lim WS, Baudouin SV, George RC, et al; Pneumonia Guidelines Committee of the BTS Standards of Care Committee. British Thoracic Society guidelines for the management of community acquired pneumonia in adults: update 2009. Thorax. 2009 Oct;64(suppl 3):iii1-55.
https://thorax.bmj.com/content/64/Suppl_3/iii1.long
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19783532?tool=bestpractice.com
[ 
]
Is there randomized controlled trial evidence to support the use of vaccines for preventing pneumococcal infection in adults?/cca.html?targetUrl=https://cochranelibrary.com/cca/doi/10.1002/cca.388/fullShow me the answer
In terms of vaccination, the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) recommends:[60]UK Health Security Agency. Complete routine immunisation schedule. Feb 2022 [internet publication]
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-complete-routine-immunisation-schedule/the-complete-routine-immunisation-schedule-from-february-2022#the-routine-immunisation-schedule-from-february-2022
Pneumococcal vaccination
Adults aged 65 or over and at-risk groups: a single dose of 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23). At-risk groups are those with:[60]UK Health Security Agency. Complete routine immunisation schedule. Feb 2022 [internet publication]
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-complete-routine-immunisation-schedule/the-complete-routine-immunisation-schedule-from-february-2022#the-routine-immunisation-schedule-from-february-2022
Asplenia or dysfunction of the spleen
Chronic respiratory, heart, liver disease, or neurological conditions
Stage 4 or 5 chronic kidney disease (including haemodialysis)
Diabetes
Immunosuppression due to disease or treatment
Cochlear implants
Complement disorders.
At-risk patients should be offered pneumococcal immunisation at every opportunity (for example, when immunising against influenza or at routine consultations), and especially at discharge from hospital.
Influenza vaccination
Adults aged 65 or over, and at-risk groups: annual influenza vaccine provided they do not have a contraindication. At risk groups are pregnant women and those with:[60]UK Health Security Agency. Complete routine immunisation schedule. Feb 2022 [internet publication]
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-complete-routine-immunisation-schedule/the-complete-routine-immunisation-schedule-from-february-2022#the-routine-immunisation-schedule-from-february-2022
Asplenia or dysfunction of the spleen
Chronic respiratory, heart, liver, or neurological disease
Stage 3, 4, or 5 chronic kidney disease (including haemodialysis)
Diabetes
Immunosuppression due to disease or treatment
Complement disorders.
Further information on vaccines, vaccination procedures, special patient populations, and current vaccination schedules in the UK can be found in the latest UK Health and Security Agency vaccination schedule.
UKHSA complete routine immunisation schedule.
Opens in new window Vaccination schedules vary by location; consult local guidance for recommendations.
Smoking cessation is important for all patients, but particularly for those at risk of pneumonia and influenza. Offer advice according to national smoking cessation guidelines.[1]Lim WS, Baudouin SV, George RC, et al; Pneumonia Guidelines Committee of the BTS Standards of Care Committee. British Thoracic Society guidelines for the management of community acquired pneumonia in adults: update 2009. Thorax. 2009 Oct;64(suppl 3):iii1-55.
https://thorax.bmj.com/content/64/Suppl_3/iii1.long
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19783532?tool=bestpractice.com
NICE: stop smoking interventions and services
Opens in new window
Cigarette smoking, both active and passive, is a recognised independent risk factor for CAP.[1]Lim WS, Baudouin SV, George RC, et al; Pneumonia Guidelines Committee of the BTS Standards of Care Committee. British Thoracic Society guidelines for the management of community acquired pneumonia in adults: update 2009. Thorax. 2009 Oct;64(suppl 3):iii1-55.
https://thorax.bmj.com/content/64/Suppl_3/iii1.long
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19783532?tool=bestpractice.com
There is insufficient evidence to determine the effect of vitamin C or vitamin D supplementation in the prevention (or treatment) of pneumonia.[61]Padhani ZA, Moazzam Z, Ashraf A, et al. Vitamin C supplementation for prevention and treatment of pneumonia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2021 Nov 18;(11):CD013134.
https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD013134.pub3/full
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34791642?tool=bestpractice.com
[62]Public Health England. Insufficient evidence for vitamin D preventing or treating ARTIs. Jul 2020 [internet publication].
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/insufficient-evidence-for-vitamin-d-preventing-or-treating-artis
For all patients with CAP who smoke, offer advice according to national smoking cessation guidelines.
NICE: stop smoking interventions and services
Opens in new window Explain to patients how smoking impairs natural mechanisms for eliminating pathogens and debris.[1]Lim WS, Baudouin SV, George RC, et al; Pneumonia Guidelines Committee of the BTS Standards of Care Committee. British Thoracic Society guidelines for the management of community acquired pneumonia in adults: update 2009. Thorax. 2009 Oct;64(suppl 3):iii1-55.
https://thorax.bmj.com/content/64/Suppl_3/iii1.long
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19783532?tool=bestpractice.com