23-Valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine was previously reported to be ineffective in HIV-infected Ugandan adults. Prolonged follow-up of trial participants confirmed persistent excess of all-cause pneumonia in vaccine recipients [hazard ratio (HR) 1.6; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.0-2.4], but surprisingly a survival advantage favouring vaccination (HR 0.84; CI 0.7-1.0). An explanation for the improvement in survival in the face of excess morbid events is lacking; a role for vaccine in HIV care in Africa remains unlikely.