Pneumococcal Vaccine

Pneumococcal Vaccine: There are two vaccines that help safeguard kids against pneumococcal disease, a nasty infection caused by a germ called Streptococcus pneumoniae. One of these vaccines, PCV13, is safe for children under 2 years old. This vaccine is super important because babies and young kids have a higher chance of getting serious infections like pneumonia and bacterial meningitis. Some older children might also need PCV13.

The other vaccine, PPSV23, has been around for more than 30 years and is recommended for kids aged 2 and up. It shields against 23 types of pneumococcal bacteria.

Understanding these vaccines can help you make smart choices to keep your children—and yourself—healthy and safe.

Pneumococcal disease

The bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae, also known as pneumococcus, causes pneumococcal disease. People can become infected with this bacteria or carry it in their throat without experiencing any symptoms. Even if they don’t show symptoms, carriers can still spread it, mainly through droplets from their nose or mouth when they breathe, cough, or sneeze.

Pneumococcal disease can cause several serious illnesses, depending on which part of the body it infects, such as:

• Bacterial meningitis: an infection of the covering of the brain and spinal cord that can cause confusion, coma, and even death, along with other effects like blindness or paralysis.
• Pneumonia: an infection of the lungs causing symptoms like cough, fever, and difficulty breathing.
• Otitis media: a middle ear infection causing pain, swelling, sleep troubles, fever, and irritability.
• Bacteremia: a dangerous infection of the bloodstream.
• Sinus infections.

Each year in the United States, over 6,000 deaths occur due to pneumococcal disease. The CDC recommends vaccination, yet a shocking number of preventable deaths among adults highlight the need for increased vaccination efforts

In children under 5 years old, infection with pneumococcus bacteria results in about 480 cases of meningitis and 4,000 cases of bacteremia or other invasive infections annually. One big challenge with very young kids is that the typical symptoms of meningitis and pneumonia may not always be present, making it tricky to recognize the disease.

How safe are Both Pneumococcal Vaccines

Yes, both pneumococcal vaccines are considered safe. Like with any medication, there’s always a chance of a serious problem, such as an allergic reaction. However, the risk of serious harm or death from either the PCV (for young children) or PPSV (for adults and older kids) vaccines is extremely low.

In studies involving nearly 60,000 doses of the PCV vaccine, no moderate or severe reactions were reported. The mild side effects observed were:

• Redness, tenderness, or swelling at the injection site in about one out of every four infants.
• Fever higher than 100.4°F in about one out of every three infants.
• Fever higher than 102.2°F in about one out of every 50 children.
• Occasional instances of fussiness, drowsiness, or loss of appetite.

For the PPSV vaccine, about one out of every two adults experiences redness or pain at the injection site. Less than 1% experience a more severe reaction, such as fever or muscle aches.

Determining Eligibility and Timing for the Pneumococcal Vaccine

The pneumococcal vaccine has evolved from PCV7, which covered seven strains of pneumococcal bacteria, to PCV13, which now protects against 13 strains. Begin the series of shots with PCV7 and complete it with PCV13. Recommend an additional dose of PCV13 for children aged 14 to 59 months who have received an age-appropriate PCV7 series.. Likewise, children aged 60 to 71 months with certain medical conditions and who received an age-appropriate PCV7 series should also get a single extra dose of PCV13.

Here’s a breakdown of who should get the PCV vaccine and when:

• All infants under 24 months should get four doses of the vaccine. The first dose is given at 2 months, followed by shots at 4 and 6 months, with a final booster at 12 to 15 months. Even if a child misses these specific times, they should still get the vaccine, with the number of doses and intervals between doses adjusted based on their age.
• Healthy children aged 2 to 4 years who didn’t finish the four-dose series should receive one dose.

Now, for the PPSV vaccine:

• Adults aged 19 to 64 who smoke or have asthma, as well as anyone aged 2 to 64 undergoing treatment affecting the immune system, such as long-term steroid use, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy, should consider following this recommendation.
• Additionally, individuals aged 2 to 64 with certain health conditions affecting the immune system, such as Hodgkin’s disease, HIV/AIDS, or diabetes, should also receive the PPSV vaccination..

For adults aged 65 and older:

it’s now advised to receive both the PCV13 and PPSV23 vaccines. The timing and order of these vaccines may vary based on your previous vaccination history. High-risk individuals and those vaccinated before age 65 might need revaccination five years after the first dose.

Vaccination is key to staying safe, particularly for vulnerable populations like seniors and those with chronic illnesses. If you fall into this category and haven’t had a pneumococcal vaccination yet, it’s crucial to speak with your doctor and schedule one as soon as possible. According to the National Foundation for Infectious Disease, invasive pneumococcal disease, which can lead to bacteremia and meningitis, causes the highest rates of death among elderly individuals and those with underlying medical conditions.

Ensuring both you and your children receive the pneumococcal vaccine can truly make a difference and save lives.

Sources:

CDC, National Foundation for Infectious Disease