About Pneumococcal Vaccines
Pneumococcal vaccines play an important role in safeguarding individuals against illnesses caused by the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, such as pneumonia, meningitis, and sinusitis. These vaccines have shown high effectiveness in preventing pneumococcal diseases. Proper adherence to the recommended dosage schedule is critical to guarantee maximum protection.
By receiving vaccinations, individuals not only protect themselves but also contribute to herd immunity, reducing the overall spread of the bacteria within communities.
What is Pneumonia?
Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, which can fill with fluid or pus. This condition leads to symptoms such as a persistent cough, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. Pneumonia can be caused by various pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and, in rare cases, parasites.
Bacterial pneumonia is often caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, with other bacteria like Haemophilus influenzae and Mycoplasma pneumoniae also being potential culprits. Viral pneumonia is commonly attributed to influenza viruses, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), or coronaviruses. Fungal pneumonia, though less common, is caused by fungi such as Histoplasma or Cryptococcus, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems. In rare instances, parasites may cause pneumonia, especially in people with compromised immune systems or those living in specific regions.
Symptoms of pneumonia include a persistent cough that may produce phlegm or mucus, a high fever accompanied by chills, sharp or stabbing chest pain that worsens with breathing or coughing, shortness of breath, fatigue, and confusion, particularly in older adults.
Several factors can increase the risk of pneumonia, including age, with very young children and elderly adults being more vulnerable. Chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) also raise susceptibility. A weakened immune system due to conditions like HIV/AIDS or cancer treatments, as well as smoking, which damages lung tissues and impairs the immune system, further increase the risk. Hospitalisation, especially with mechanical ventilation, can also make one more prone to hospital-acquired pneumonia.
Diagnosis typically involves a medical history review and physical examination, where doctors listen to the lungs with a stethoscope. A chest X-ray is used to visualise the extent of the infection, while blood tests detect signs of infection and inflammation. Analysing sputum, or mucus from the lungs, helps identify the specific pathogen causing the infection.
Other Types of Pneumococcal Diseases
Otitis media
Pneumococcal bacteria can lead to otitis media, characterised by symptoms like ear pain, fever, irritability, and hearing difficulties. Chronic or recurrent otitis media can result in hearing loss and developmental delays in children, highlighting the importance of timely vaccination. Treatment options for otitis media may include antibiotics, pain management, and in severe cases, surgical interventions.
Sinusitis
An inflammation or swelling of the tissue lining the sinuses, sinusitis is commonly triggered by bacterial infections, such as those caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. Symptoms of sinusitis include facial pain, nasal congestion, headache, and thick nasal discharge. Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria can infect the sinuses through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing. Sinusitis can be acute (lasting less than 4 weeks), subacute (lasting 4-12 weeks), chronic (lasting more than 12 weeks), or recurrent (multiple episodes within a year).
Sinusitis treatment may include antibiotics to combat bacterial infections, nasal decongestants to reduce congestion, and saline nasal irrigation to clear the sinuses. Sinusitis prevention strategies involve practising good hand hygiene, avoiding exposure to cigarette smoke, and using a humidifier to keep the air moist.
Meningitis
Inflammation or swelling of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, known as meningitis, can be a severe infection caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. Symptoms of pneumococcal meningitis include fever, severe headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, confusion, and sensitivity to light.
If left untreated, pneumococcal meningitis can lead to serious complications like brain damage, hearing loss, seizures, and even death. Survivors may face long-term neurological issues, cognitive impairments, and hearing problems. Vaccination with pneumococcal vaccines like PCV13 and PCV20 is essential for prevention.
Bacteremia
Bacteremia can result from invasive pneumococcal disease where the bacteria responsible enter the bloodstream. Symptoms like fever, chills, rapid heart rate, and confusion may indicate bacteremia. Antibiotic treatment is necessary for managing bacteremia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. Bloodstream infection can lead to serious outcomes such as sepsis and organ failure.
Who Needs the Pneumococcal Vaccine?
The pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for certain groups of people who are at higher risk of developing serious pneumococcal infections. These include:
Young Children: Infants and young children are particularly vulnerable to pneumococcal infections. The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) is recommended for all children under the age of 5, as they are at high risk for conditions like pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections.
Older Adults: Adults aged 65 and older are at increased risk of severe pneumococcal disease due to age-related decline in immune function. The pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) is recommended for this age group to help protect against pneumonia and other serious infections.
Individuals with Chronic Health Conditions: People with chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, or liver disease are more susceptible to pneumococcal infections. Vaccination helps reduce their risk of serious complications.
Individuals with Weakened Immune Systems: Those with weakened immune systems due to conditions like HIV/AIDS, cancer treatments, organ transplants, or certain medications that suppress immune function should receive the pneumococcal vaccine to prevent infections.
Adults with Certain Risk Factors: Adults with certain risk factors, including smokers and individuals with alcoholism, are at increased risk of pneumococcal disease and should consider vaccination.
Residents of Long-Term Care Facilities: People living in long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes, are at higher risk of pneumococcal disease due to close living quarters and potential for outbreaks. Vaccination is recommended to protect this population.
Pregnant Women: While routine pneumococcal vaccination is not typically recommended during pregnancy, certain pregnant women with underlying health conditions that increase their risk of pneumococcal disease may be advised to get vaccinated based on their healthcare provider’s recommendations.
Are Pneumococcal Vaccines Safe?
Yes, pneumococcal vaccines are generally safe and well-tolerated. They have been extensively studied and used in large populations with a good safety record.
Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV13) are typically mild and include pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site, fever, irritability, and loss of appetite. These side effects usually resolve within a few days. Serious reactions are rare but can include allergic reactions. Monitoring after vaccination helps ensure immediate treatment if any severe reaction occurs. PCV13 is recommended for infants, young children, and certain high-risk groups.
Similar to PCV13, common side effects of Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (PPSV23) include soreness at the injection site, redness, or swelling, and mild fever. These effects are usually short-lived. Severe reactions are rare but can occur. The vaccine may cause more local reactions in some people, especially if they have had previous pneumococcal vaccines. PPSV23 is recommended for adults aged 65 and older, as well as younger individuals with certain chronic health conditions. The vaccine is effective in reducing the risk of serious pneumococcal infections, with the benefits generally outweighing the risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is still possible to contract pneumonia even if you have received the pneumococcal vaccines. The vaccines do not cover all potential causes of pneumonia, as there are various bacteria, fungi, and viruses that can lead to the illness. However, the vaccines do offer protection against the most common types, such as specific strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Yes, it is advisable to get vaccinated even if you have previously had pneumonia and recovered. Pneumonia can occur more than once, and vaccination helps protect against future infections.
If you’re unsure whether you’ve previously received a pneumococcal vaccine or need details on past vaccinations, consult with your healthcare provider. They may be able to access your vaccination records or guide you on the next steps. If your vaccination history is unclear, starting the series again is acceptable. Receiving an extra dose of a pneumococcal vaccine like Vaxneuvance or Prevnar 20 is safe and may be preferable to missing a dose.
Pneumococcal vaccines are not administered annually like flu shots. Most healthy adults only require one or two doses after age 65. Healthy children complete their vaccination series by 15 months with four doses of Prevnar 13. Individuals with specific health conditions might need additional doses, but not on a yearly basis. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine the appropriate vaccination schedule for yourself or your child.
Visit Dr. Prevents to Get Your Pneumococcal Vaccine
If you’re in need of a pneumococcal vaccine, visit our vaccine clinic throughout Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. Dr. Prevents can readily provide you with the services you need and answer all of your questions.