Pneumonia vaccine (Pneumococcal) help protect against Streptococcus pneumonia bacterial infections (pneumococci). Ear infections, sinusitis, pneumonia, bloodstream infections, and meningitis are all examples of pneumococcal infections.
Pneumococcal Conjugate (PCV13) vaccine information statement and Pneumococcal Polysaccharide vaccine information statement from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
(See also Immunization Overview.)
Pneumococci come in over 90 distinct varieties. Vaccines are available for many of the pathogens that are most likely to cause serious illness.
There are two types of pneumococcal vaccines:
PCV13 is a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine that protects against 13 different strains of pneumococcal bacteria (pneumococci).
PPSV23 is a polysaccharide vaccine that protects against 23 different kinds of pneumococci.
Vaccination against Pneumococcal Disease
A muscle is injected with the PCV13 vaccination. The amount of dosages required is determined by the individual’s age. It is frequently suggested for
- Every child: As part of standard childhood vaccinations, children are routinely vaccinated at the ages of 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and 12 to 15 months.
- People over the age of 65 who have a weakened immune system, a cerebrospinal fluid leak, or a cochlear implant who have not previously received PCV13.
- People aged 65 and up who do not have any of the aforementioned problems, as long as they evaluate the vaccine’s relative risks and benefits with their doctor.
People aged 6 to 64 who are at a high risk of pneumococcal infections should also get the PCV13 vaccine. These individuals include
- Those suffering from nephrotic syndrome or chronic kidney disease.
- Those who have a leak in their cerebrospinal fluid
- Those who have a compromised immune system (including those with HIV infection, leukemia, lymphoma, or advanced cancer, those who take drugs that suppress the immune system [immunosuppressants], and those who have had certain organ transplants)
- Those who don’t have a spleen that works (including those with sickle cell disease)
- Those who have received a cochlear implant
The PPSV23 vaccination is injected into a muscle or under the skin. It is frequently suggested for
All adults above the age of 65
If patients aged 65 and up had the PPSV23 vaccine while they were younger than 65, they will receive a second dose at least 5 years later. If they received the first dose at the age of 64, they will receive the second dose at the age of 69 or later.
People aged 2 to 64 who are at high risk of getting pneumococcal infections should have the PPSV23 vaccine. The following people are among them:
- The PCV13 vaccine is recommended for the following groups (above)
- People who have a chronic cardiac condition, a lung condition (such as asthma or emphysema), or a liver condition.
- Diabetic individuals
- People that have an alcoholism problem
- Those who puff on smokes
Although the PPSV23 vaccination is beneficial in preventing some major consequences of pneumococcal pneumonia (such as bloodstream infections), it is less effective in the elderly. When people are initially given a pneumococcal vaccine, they are given the PCV13 vaccine first, followed by the PPSV23 vaccine a year later. PCV13 should be given at least one year following the most recent dose of PPSV23 if persons have already been vaccinated with PPSV23.
When people experience a transient illness, doctors normally wait until the disease has passed before administering the vaccine.
Pneumococcal Vaccine Side Effects
The injection site can become painful and red at times. Fever, irritability, sleepiness, loss of appetite, and vomiting are some of the other negative effects.
Read what is pneumonia?
