Pneumococcal vaccines help prevent infections caused by streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, also known as pneumococcus. Pneumococcus can cause potentially serious invasive infections like pneumonia, bacteremia (bloodstream infection), and meningitis. It can also cause non-invasive infections like sinusitis and ear infections. There are different types of pneumococcal vaccines that help prevent these infections.
Suitable Recipients
The CDC recommends routine vaccination with pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) for all children under 2 years old. A single dose of PCV13 is recommended at age 12-15 months and some high-risk children may need additional doses.
It is also recommended that all adults 65 years or older get vaccinated against pneumococcus with pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23). This includes non-smokers and those with chronic illnesses like asthma, diabetes, heart or lung disease which raise the risk for serious pneumococcal infections.
Adults 19-64 years with certain high-risk conditions should also get one or more doses of PCV13 or PPSV23 depending on age and risk factors. High-risk adults include those with immunosuppressive conditions, organ transplants, HIV/AIDS, cochlear implants or cerebrospinal fluid leaks.
Types of Pneumococcal Vaccines
There are two main types of pneumococcal vaccines - pneumococcal conjugate vaccine and pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine.
Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) protects against 13 types of streptococcus pneumoniae. It is routinely given to children under 2 years old and recommended for some high-risk older adults. PCV13 induces strong immunological memory and is effective in children who may have immature immune systems or certain medical conditions.
Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) protects against 23 types of pneumococcal bacteria. It is recommended for all adults 65 years or older and some high-risk groups. PPSV23 induces antibody production but does not produce as strong an immune memory response as PCV13. It begins working faster than PCV13 but also does not last as long.
Which one should I get?
For most people, the CDC guidelines recommend getting vaccinated with both PCV13 and PPSV23 based on age and risk factors:
- Children under 2 years should get PCV13 as part of their routine vaccination schedule.
- Adults 65 years or older should get one dose of PPSV23 and then a subsequent dose of PCV13 one year later for broader protection.
- Other high-risk adults 19-64 years should get one or more doses of PCV13 or PPSV23 depending on individual factors like age at risk determined, prior PPSV23 history, etc. Consult your doctor to make sure you are protected.
- Revaccination with PPSV23 is recommended 5 years after an initial PPSV23 dose for ongoing protection for certain groups like those with immune deficiencies or anatomical or functional asplenia.
Effectiveness
Studies show vaccines are very effective at preventing pneumococcal infections. According to the CDC, PCV13 is up to 95% effective against invasive pneumococcal disease from vaccine serotypes. It provides indirect protection to the community by reducing carriage of vaccine strains in the nasopharynx.
PPSV23 reduces the risk of pneumococcal pneumonia by about 30-40% and invasive pneumococcal disease by 50-70% in healthy adults. Immunity may not develop in all vaccinated individuals and effectiveness is lower in those with immune deficiencies or asplenia. But vaccination is still recommended for high-risk groups as it provides some protection.
Overall, pneumococcal vaccination has contributed dramatically to the reduction of pneumococcal disease worldwide and is an important public health tool for preventing serious and life-threatening pneumococcal infections. Following vaccine recommendations helps ensure individual and community protection from this potentially dangerous bacterial infection.
Risks and Side Effects
Overall these vaccines are considered very safe. Most people do not experience any side effects from PCV13 or PPSV23. Some people may have soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given. Headache, fever, fatigue or muscle pain can occur one to two days after vaccination in some individuals.
Severe allergic reactions are very rare. As with any vaccine, pneumococcal vaccines may cause other temporary side effects like nausea or seizures in extremely rare cases. Serious reactions are exceedingly uncommon. Talk to your doctor about any medical conditions or allergies you may have before receiving pneumococcal vaccination. The benefits of protection from pneumococcal disease outweigh any potential risks associated with vaccination.
Pneumococcal vaccines are backed by strong science and play an important role in preventing pneumococcal infections and reducing associated morbidity and mortality around the world. Following recommendations ensures optimal protection for different age and risk groups. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have additional questions about pneumococcal disease or vaccination to make informed decisions about your health.
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