Pneumococcal vaccine

There are two vaccines available to protect children against pneumococcal disease, a serious infection caused by a bacterium known as Streptococcus pneumoniae. Only one of the vaccines, PCV13, is considered safe for children under 2 years of age. This vaccine is important because infants and very young children are at higher risk of contracting several dangerous infections, including pneumonia and bacterial meningitis. Some older children may also need PCV13 treatment.

A second vaccine, PPSV23, has been available for over 30 years and is recommended for children two years of age and older. Protects against 23 types of pneumococcal bacteria.

Here is information about these vaccines to help you make informed decisions about protecting your children's health, as well as your own.

What is pneumococcal disease?

Pneumococcal disease is an infection caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae or pneumococcus. People can become infected with the bacteria or carry them through their throats without getting sick. These carriers can still spread it, mostly as droplets from the nose or mouth when they breathe, cough or sneeze.

Depending on the organ or body part that is infected, pneumococcal infection can lead to one of several serious illnesses, including:

Bacterial meningitis, an infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord that can lead to confusion, coma and death, as well as other physical effects such as blindness or paralysis
Pneumonia, a lung infection that causes cough, fever and difficulty breathing.
Otitis media, a middle ear infection that can cause pain, swelling, insomnia, fever, and irritability.
Bacteremia, a dangerous bloodstream infection
Sinus infections

A major problem in very young children is that the classic symptoms of meningitis and pneumonia are often absent, making it difficult to recognize the disease.

Are two pneumococcal vaccines safe?

Both vaccines are safe. As with any medication, there is always the possibility of a serious problem, such as an allergic reaction. But with the pneumococcal vaccine (the vaccine recommended for young children) and PPSV (the vaccine for adults and older children), the risk of serious harm or death is extremely low.

In studies of almost 60,000 doses of pneumococcal vaccine, neither moderate nor severe reactions were observed. Mild side effects included:

Redness, tenderness, or swelling where the shot is given in about one out of every four infants
Fever higher than 38 C in about one out of every three infants
Fever higher than 39 C in about one out of every 50 children
Occasional incidence of fussiness, drowsiness, or loss of appetite

Approximately one in two adults who receive a PPSV vaccine experiences redness or pain at the injection site. Less than 1% have a more severe reaction such as fever or muscle aches.

Who should be vaccinated against pneumococcus and when?

The PCV7 vaccine, which covered seven strains of pneumococcal bacteria, has now been upgraded to the PCV13 vaccine, which covers 13 strains. The pneumococcal vaccine series started with PCV7 should be supplemented with PCV13. A single additional dose of PCV13 is recommended for all children aged 14–59 months who have received an age-appropriate series of PCV7 vaccines, and for all children aged 60–71 months with certain comorbidities who have received a series of PCV7 vaccines adapted to their age.

Pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for the following children:

All infants under 24 months of age should receive four doses of the vaccine, the first at 2 months of age. The next two injections should be given at 4 months and 6 months, and the last booster injection should be given at 12-15 months. Children who are not vaccinated during this time should still be vaccinated. The number of doses and the time between doses will depend on the age of the child.
Healthy children aged 2 to 4 who have not received all four doses should receive one dose of the vaccine.

The PPSV vaccine is recommended for all adults aged 19 to 64 who smoke or have asthma, and for anyone aged 2 to 64 who are taking any medication or treatment that affects the body's immune system. Examples include long-term use of steroids, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.

In addition, anyone between the ages of 2 and 64 who has any of the following (or similar) health conditions that affect the immune system should be vaccinated with PPSV:

Hodgkin's disease
lymphoma or leukemia
kidney failure
multiple myeloma
nephrotic syndrome
HIV infection or AIDS
damaged spleen or no spleen
organ transplant
heart disease
lung disease
sickle cell disease
diabetes
alcoholism
cirrhosis
leaks of cerebrospinal fluid
cochlear implant

It is currently recommended that adults aged 65 years and older receive both the PCV13 vaccine and the PPSV23 vaccine. The timing and sequence of vaccinations will vary depending on which vaccines you have previously received.

High-risk people and those who were vaccinated before the age of 65 may need a booster five years after the first dose.

How important is it for an adult over 65 to get vaccinated?

It is very important. If you are over 65 or have an underlying medical condition that puts you at risk and you have not been vaccinated against pneumococcal disease, talk to your doctor and ask him to prescribe one a. Bacteremia and meningitis caused by invasive pneumococcal disease are responsible for the highest mortality rates among the elderly and patients with comorbidities.

The pneumococcal vaccine for you and your children can save lives.