This indicator shows the average annual age-adjusted hospitalization rate due to immunization-preventable pneumonia per 10,000 population aged 18 years and older.

According to the Mayo Clinic, more than 60,000 Americans die of pneumonia every year. Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs that is usually caused by infection with bacteria, viruses, fungi or other organisms. Pneumonia is a particular concern for older adults and people with chronic illnesses or impaired immune systems, but it can also strike young, healthy people. Worldwide, it's a leading cause of death in children. Although signs and symptoms vary, many cases of pneumonia develop suddenly, with chest pain, fever, chills, cough and shortness of breath. Infection often follows a cold or the flu, but it can also be associated with other illnesses or occur on its own. Some forms of bacterial pneumonia are treatable with antibiotics, but antibiotic-resistant strains are a growing problem.