Verified By Apollo General Physician October 14, 2023
4805Pneumococcal disease is a severe infection caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria that spreads from person-to-person through air. The disease can cause pneumonia in the lungs, and can affect other parts of the body.
Pneumococcal vaccination is a significant preventive health care measure that reduces the burden of pneumococcal disease substantially in vaccinated people as well as the community. While it is a routine part of childhood immunization schedules across the world, pneumococcal vaccination is also indicated for adults with risk factors for pneumococcal disease or those with severe adverse outcomes should the disease occur.
As per the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), adults who are 65 and above should have two pneumococcal vaccinations –
1. Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23)
2. Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13)
You can get either of the two above mentioned vaccines (but not both) when you receive the flu vaccine. Talk to your doctor to find out when you should come back for the other pneumococcal vaccine.
Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23)
Studies cited by CDC reveal 1 dose of PPSV23 vaccine protects
Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13)
Studies cited by CDC show that at least one dose of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine protects
In India, the burden of pneumococcal disease is a major health concern. The pneumococcal disease incidence rates in India in the year 2018 were found to be:
Therefore, the use of pneumococcal vaccine in India is worthwhile, as it does not just reduces the pneumococcal disease burden, but will also lead to a positive impact on healthcare economics by decreasing the overall health-care expenditure.
The CDC advises pneumococcal vaccination for all children below 2 years of age and all adults 65 years or above. In some situations, pneumococcal vaccines should also be given to other children and adults. Check below for more information about who should get each type of pneumococcal vaccine.
PPSV23 [ Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccination] is recommended
PCV13 [Pneumococcal conjugate vaccination] is recommended for:
However, talk to your or your child’s doctor about what is best suited for your specific situation.
Owing to age or health conditions, certain people should not get some vaccines or should wait before taking them.
Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (PPSV23)
Children below 2 years should not get this vaccine. Also, tell the individual giving you or your child this pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine if:
While any person having mild illness like can take the vaccine, those having more serious illness should perhaps wait till they recover. Your doctor or your child’s doctor may advise you.
Although, there is no evidence that PPSV23 vaccine is harmful to either a pregnant woman or to her infant, however, as a precaution, women who need this vaccination should take it before becoming pregnant, if possible.
Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV13)
Inform the person who is administering you or your child a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine if:
While any person having mild illness like cold may perhaps take the vaccine, those with more severe disease should perhaps wait till they recover. Your doctor or your child clinician can advise you.
How is this vaccine administered?
The pneumococcal vaccine is administered as a single shot (injection) in adults. The vaccine is injected under the skin (SC or subcutaneous) or as a liquid solution (0.5 mL) into the muscle (IM or intramuscular), typically in the deltoid muscle.
How long will Pneumococcal Vaccination be effective?
Individuals aged 65 and above need only a single pneumococcal shot. Pneumococcal vaccine is not given annually like the flu vaccination. People with long-term health condition may need vaccination every 5 years or just a single one-off pneumococcal vaccination depending on their underlying health condition.
What are the potential Side Effects of Pneumococcal Vaccination?
With any medicine, which includes vaccines, there is a chance of some side effects. Majority of individuals who have taken pneumococcal vaccine did not show any severe side effects with it.
Mild Problems
Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV13)
Mild side-effects following PCV13 vaccination may include:
Ask your doctor for more information.
Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (PPSV23)
If these side-effects occur, they generally go away within two days.
Talk to your doctor if you
What are the contraindications and precautions?
Is pneumococcal vaccination safe during this pandemic?
While the existing pneumococcal vaccination does not protect against COVID-19, it is recommended for protection against pneumococcal disease.
Experts strongly recommend of prophylactic pneumococcus vaccination in immunocompromised patients during the pandemic. However, for those with active COVID‐19 infection, the experts advise against concurrent pneumococcal vaccination and suggest that these individuals should be pre‐screened for symptoms and exposure before vaccination happens. In addition, doctors should consider local rates of COVID‐19 spread and refer to local guidelines for optimal timing of vaccination.
Myths Associated with Pneumococcal Vaccination
Myths | Facts |
Pneumococcal disease is not very common or serious | Pneumococcal disease kills thousands of individuals every year. In fact, the burden of pneumococcal diseases are a major health concern in India with incidence rates of 31.3 percent, 22.7 percent and 13.9 percent among people aged 60 years and above, 44–60 years and adults aged 18–44 years, respectively. Vaccination is the best method to prevent pneumococcal disease |
You can get pneumococcal disease from getting the pneumococcal vaccination | As both pneumococcal vaccines – PPSV23 and PCV13 – are made from inactivated bacteria, they cannot cause illness. However, sde effects like swelling, soreness or redness or swelling (at site of injection), aches and fever may occur. However, such side effects are generally mild and are short-lived. Pneumococcal vaccination is safe and the best possible way to prevent pneumococcal disease |
You should not take PPSV23 or PCV13 if you are not well | People with mild sicknesses, like allergies or cold, without fever can get vaccinated. People with moderate-to-severe sickness with or without a fever can wait until they recover to get their Vaccination. However, pneumococcal vaccination is highly recommended for adults aged 65 and above and adults with some medical conditions. Only those people who have had severe reaction to either of the pneumococcal vaccines earlier should avoid vaccination |
You should not take the pneumococcal vaccine at the same time you get the influenza vaccine due to the increased side effects | Both vaccinations can be administered at the same time (at different sites) without raising the risk of side effects. Pneumococcal pneumonia is a problem that can result from influenza, particularly in older adults, so it is vital for people in this age group to be vaccinated against both the diseases |
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October 25, 2024