Pneumococcal Vaccine: Protect Against Pneumococcal Disease

Every year, over 47,000 people in the U.S. die from pneumococcal disease. More than 3,000 of these deaths are from pneumococcal meningitis¹. But, there’s a way to fight back – the pneumococcal vaccine. This vaccine shields against bacteria that cause serious illnesses like meningitis, sepsis, and pneumonia².

In the U.S., two pneumococcal vaccines are recommended: PCVs (PCV15 and PCV20) and PPSV23³. These vaccines are key in preventing serious pneumococcal infections.

Key Takeaways

• Pneumococcal disease is a serious condition that can lead to life-threatening illnesses like meningitis and pneumonia.
• There are two main types of pneumococcal vaccines – PCVs and PPSV23 – that help protect against different strains of the bacteria.
• Vaccination is recommended for all children under 5, adults 65 and older, and those with certain health conditions that increase their risk.
• Pneumococcal vaccines have been shown to significantly reduce disease rates and offer strong protection against severe infections.
• Mild side effects like pain and fever are common, but serious reactions are very rare.

What is Pneumococcal Disease?

Pneumococcal disease is caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. It can lead to pneumonia, meningitis, blood infections, and ear infections⁴. People with weak immune systems or certain health conditions are more likely to get serious infections⁴.

Types of Pneumococcal Infections

This disease can cause severe problems, leading to long-term disabilities or death⁴. In the US, about 150,000 people get hospitalized each year for pneumococcal pneumonia⁴. Sadly, around 5-7% of these cases are fatal, which means 1 in 20 people don’t make it⁴.

For those with pneumococcal meningitis or bloodstream infections, the risk of death is even higher⁴. In fact, about 1 in 6 older adults with meningitis don’t survive, and 1 in 8 adults with bloodstream infections don’t make it⁴.

Risk Factors and Complications

Pneumococcal disease can cause permanent disabilities like deafness, brain damage, and losing a limb⁴. Those with weak immune systems or certain health issues are more at risk⁴. Also, nearly one-third of these infections are resistant to some antibiotics, making treatment tricky⁴.

“Pneumococcal disease can result in lifelong disability, such as deafness, brain damage, and limb amputation.”

Types of Pneumococcal Vaccines

The main types of pneumococcal vaccines in the U.S. are pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) and pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23)⁵. These vaccines protect against the most common pneumococcal bacteria that cause serious infections⁵.

Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines (PCVs)

PCVs, like PCV15 and PCV20, help the immune system fight against specific pneumococcal bacteria⁵. PCV15 covers 15 types of bacteria, while PCV20 covers 20⁵. These vaccines are given to kids under 5 and some adults with certain health issues⁵.

Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (PPSV23)

PPSV23 protects against a wide range of pneumococcal bacteria⁵. It and the older PCV13 vaccine reduce the severity of pneumonia symptoms like cough and fever⁵. But, they don’t cover all pneumonia types⁵. PPSV23 is given to people 65 and older, and some younger adults and kids with health conditions⁵.

Doctors may suggest different vaccines based on your age, health, and past vaccines⁵. The American Academy of Family Physicians has vaccination schedules for seniors⁵.

“Vaccines should not be given if a severe allergic reaction has occurred in the past. Redness, swelling, fever, headache, and chills are common reactions post vaccination. If a severe allergic reaction is noticed post-vaccination, immediate medical attention is required.”

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Pneumococcal Vaccine Recommendations for Children

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest that all kids under 5 should get pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV15 or PCV20)⁸. Kids need 4 doses of PCV15 or PCV20 at ages 2, 4, 6, and 12 to 15 months⁸. There are also catch-up options for healthy kids from 4 to 4 years old⁸.

Age and risk conditions affect pneumococcal vaccine needs⁹. Kids under 2 get 1 dose of PCV15 or PCV20 at certain times⁹. Kids 2 to 4 without high-risk conditions might need a catch-up dose⁹. Kids 2 to 5 with high-risk conditions get different doses based on their past vaccines and risks⁹. Kids 6 to 18 with certain risks also get PCV15 or PCV20 as per guidelines⁹.

Thanks to pneumococcal vaccines, cases of invasive pneumococcal disease have dropped in the U.S. in both kids and adults¹⁰. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says all infants and kids up to 59 months should get pneumococcal vaccines¹⁰. PCV20 is now recommended for routine vaccination in kids 2-23 months and some older kids and adults with certain conditions¹⁰. The CDC now includes more kids in the high-risk group, like those with asthma, liver disease, and kidney diseases¹⁰.

Some kids 2 to 18 and adults under 65 might need extra pneumococcal vaccine doses⁸. There are also guidelines for adults who got PCV13 or PCV7 on how to finish their vaccine series⁹⁸¹⁰.

Pneumococcal Vaccine pneumococcal vaccine Recommendations for Adults

Adults are key in fighting pneumococcal disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have set clear pneumococcal vaccine recommendations for adults to keep them safe¹¹.

Adults with Certain Risk Conditions

Adults aged 19-64 with health issues like chronic lung or heart disease, diabetes, or chronic liver disease need special vaccines. They should get PCV20, PCV15, and PPSV23 vaccines, with breaks of 8 weeks and 1 year between doses¹¹. These people face a 20-fold higher risk of serious pneumococcal disease¹².

Adults Aged 65 and Older

Adults over 65 should get PCV13 and PPSV23 vaccines. PCV13 is given at any age, and PPSV23 at 65 or older, with a 5-year gap¹¹. For this group, both PCV13 and PPSV23 vaccines are key for preventing pneumonia¹².

Adults over 65 who got PCV13 and PPSV23 can also get PCV20¹¹. It’s vital to check on vaccine needs when turning 65, as vaccination plans may change¹¹.

“The CDC provides detailed guidance on the timing and frequency of pneumococcal vaccinations based on medical conditions and age groups.”¹³

By sticking to these pneumococcal vaccine recommendations for adults, people can cut their risk of pneumococcal diseases. This leads to better health and well-being¹¹¹³¹².

Who Should Not Receive Pneumococcal Vaccines?

Pneumococcal vaccines are safe and effective for most people. But, some folks should skip them or wait before getting vaccinated. This is to keep everyone safe and healthy.

Age Restrictions

Kids under 2 years old shouldn’t get the PPSV23 vaccine¹⁴. Their immune systems aren’t strong enough to fight off the vaccine. But, kids under 5 can get the PCV13 vaccine¹⁴.

Allergies and Illnesses

People allergic to any vaccine part should skip it¹⁵. If a vaccine caused a bad allergic reaction before, don’t get it again¹⁵. Also, if you’re sick or really ill, wait until you’re better before getting vaccinated.

“It’s important for healthcare providers to be aware of their patients’ medical histories and any potential contraindications to pneumococcal vaccination.”

Healthcare providers need to know about their patients’ health and any vaccine issues. This way, they can make sure patients get vaccines safely and effectively. This helps protect them from serious pneumococcal diseases.

Effectiveness of Pneumococcal Vaccines

Pneumococcal disease rates have dropped a lot since pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) came out in the U.S¹⁶.. The first PCV, PCV7, was approved in 2000 and worked well in preventing serious pneumococcal disease. It kept over 90% of healthy kids safe¹⁶. Then, PCV13 came in 2010 and protected against more types of pneumococcal bacteria.

Real-World Data on PCV7 and PCV13

Even though we don’t have much data on PCV15 and PCV20 yet, studies show they are safe and work like PCV13¹⁶. PCV15 covers 15 types of Streptococcus pneumoniae, and PCV20 covers 20 types¹⁶. PPSV23 protects against 23 types of pneumococcal bacteria¹⁶.

PCV7 cut down serious disease by 97% and helped prevent pneumonia, ear infections, and ear tube surgeries¹⁶. The CAPiTA trial showed it was 46% effective against pneumococcal pneumonia and 75% effective against serious disease in people over 65¹⁶. Most healthy adults make antibodies against PPSV23 serotypes, which helps prevent serious disease¹⁶. PPSV23 is less effective for people with weakened immune systems but is still recommended with PCV15¹⁶.

Studies found that PPSV23 can prevent pneumonia in healthy adults by 34-149%¹⁷. A review showed it’s effective against pneumococcal disease in older people¹⁷. It also looked at how well PPSV23 prevents pneumonia in adults at higher risk¹⁷.

In 2018-2019, about 24 people over 65 got serious pneumococcal disease per 100,000 in the U.S¹⁸. Type 3 was the most common cause of this disease in older adults¹⁸. Between 2010 and 2017, pneumococcal pneumonia rates in people over 65 ranged from 33 to 100 per 100,000¹⁸.

A 2016 study found 8.2% of adults in the hospital for pneumonia had Streptococcus pneumoniae¹⁸. 51.7% of these cases were from serotypes in PCV13¹⁸. PCV13 has been recommended for adults over 19 with certain health issues since 2012¹⁸. PPSV23 has been used since 1984 and was recommended for people over 65 until recently¹⁸.

Studies show PPSV23 works against serious pneumococcal disease but its effect on pneumonia is not clear¹⁸. PCV13 is effective against serious disease and pneumonia in people over 65¹⁸. In 2019, PCV13 was no longer recommended for healthy adults over 65¹⁸.

In 2021, two new pneumococcal vaccines (PCV15 and PCV20) were approved in the U.S¹⁸. A review looked at how well PCV13 and PPSV23 work against serious pneumococcal disease and pneumonia in adults¹⁸. The review aimed to help decide if PCV15 and PCV20 are good for adults¹⁸¹⁶¹⁷.

Common Side Effects of Pneumococcal Vaccines

Getting a pneumococcal vaccine is usually safe and helps protect against pneumococcal disease. Most people feel only mild side effects that go away in a few days¹⁹. The usual side effects of these vaccines are:

• Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
• Mild fever
• Fatigue or tiredness
• Headache
• Muscle or joint aches
• Loss of appetite
• Irritability (in children)

The pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV15 and PCV20) might cause redness, swelling, or pain at the injection site, fever, loss of appetite, fussiness, fatigue, headache, and muscle aches²⁰. The pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) may lead to redness or pain at the injection site, feeling tired, fever, and muscle aches²⁰.

Sometimes, serious allergic reactions can happen with any vaccine, but they are very rare. These reactions are usually treated right away by the doctor giving the vaccine¹⁹. Rare side effects of pneumococcal vaccines include fever over 102.2°F (39°C)²¹. Side effects that are not well-known include black, tarry stools, and trouble breathing or swallowing²¹. Uncommon side effects might be itching, especially on the feet or hands, muscle aches, and joint or muscle pain²¹. More often, people might feel chills and body aches or pain²¹.

If you have any side effects that don’t go away or worry you, tell your healthcare provider. They can help and give you the right care if you need it.

Overall, the benefits of getting a pneumococcal vaccine are much bigger than the risks of side effects for most people. Knowing about the common side effects helps people be ready and get help quickly if they need it²¹²⁰¹⁹.

Where to Get Pneumococcal Vaccines

Pneumococcal vaccines are given by healthcare providers like pediatricians and pharmacists³. You can call your doctor’s office or a local pharmacy to set up a vaccine appointment²². Some jobs, like welding, may also offer vaccines²². If you’re not sure if you need a vaccine, talk to your doctor.

Accessing Vaccines Through Healthcare Providers

Healthcare providers are key for getting pneumococcal vaccines²³. These vaccines are given to protect babies, kids, and adults at risk of serious infections²³. To get vaccinated, visit your doctor or a pharmacy to talk about your vaccination needs.

Some people, like those in care homes, must get vaccinated²². But, you might not need another vaccine in some cases²². Your doctor will tell you when and if you need a vaccine based on your health and risks.

“Pneumococcal vaccines protect against serious infections from Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria²³. Talking to a healthcare provider ensures you get the vaccines you need at the right time.”²³

Working with your healthcare provider helps make sure you get the right pneumococcal vaccines²³. Getting vaccines through healthcare providers is the best way to protect you and your family³²²²³.

Importance of Pneumococcal Vaccination

Pneumococcal vaccines are key in fighting serious pneumococcal infections. They boost the immune system to fight off diseases like pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections from Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria²⁴.

Using these vaccines, especially in high-risk groups like young kids and older adults, has cut down pneumococcal disease and its complications in the U.S²⁴.. Research shows they work well in people with chronic conditions like COPD, asthma, and heart disease²⁴.

Vaccines do more than just protect the person getting them. They help create herd immunity, lowering the spread of pneumococcal infections in communities²⁵. Studies show they bring big health and economic benefits to countries²⁵.

By choosing to get vaccinated, people can help keep themselves and others safe from serious pneumococcal diseases²⁴. The push to get more adults vaccinated in the U.S. shows how vital pneumococcal vaccination is²⁵.

“Pneumococcal vaccines are a critical tool in protecting individuals, especially those at high risk, from serious and potentially life-threatening pneumococcal infections. The benefits of vaccination extend beyond individual health, contributing to the overall well-being of communities and nations.”

Pneumococcal Vaccine Ingredients

Understanding the ingredients in pneumococcal vaccines is key. There are two main types in the U.S.: pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) and pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccines (PPSVs)²⁶.

The Prevenar 13 vaccine is a PCV. It fights 13 specific Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes²⁶. Each 0.5 mL dose has different amounts of polysaccharide antigens. It also has CRM 197 protein, aluminum phosphate, and 2-phenoxyethanol²⁶. This vaccine is for people from 6 weeks to 5 years old and adults over 50²⁶.

The Pneumovax vaccine (PPSV23) covers 23 pneumococcal polysaccharide serotypes²⁷. It protects against 23 types of pneumococcal bacteria. Conjugate vaccines like Prevenar 13 link the polysaccharides to a harmless helper protein for better protection²⁷.

It’s vital to check the ingredients in each pneumococcal vaccine. If you have concerns or allergies, talk to your healthcare provider²⁶. Some people can’t get the vaccine because of allergies to certain ingredients, like diphtheria toxoid²⁶.

Knowing what’s in pneumococcal vaccines helps with informed vaccination choices. Reviewing vaccine info and talking to healthcare providers ensures safety and effectiveness²⁶²⁷²⁸.

Timing and Scheduling of Pneumococcal Vaccines

Pneumococcal vaccines are key in fighting pneumococcal disease, a serious infection from the pneumococcus bacteria. They have different schedules for kids and adults to protect them best.

Childhood Vaccination Schedule

The CDC says kids need a 4-dose series of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV15 or PCV20). The first dose is at 2 months old, with more doses at 4, 6, and 12-15 months²⁹. Some kids with high-risk conditions might need more vaccines or a different schedule.

Adult Vaccination Schedule

Adults get vaccine advice based on their age and health risks. The CDC suggests PCV15 or PCV20, then PPSV23 for those who haven’t had a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine³⁰. Adults 65 and up who got PCV13 and PPSV23 might get PCV20.

The PCV20 vaccine now covers 20 strains of pneumococcal bacteria, replacing PCV7²⁹. Healthy kids 14–59 months and some older kids with health issues need an extra dose of PCV15 or PCV20.

It’s key to follow the vaccine schedules to get the best protection against pneumococcal disease. Talking to a healthcare provider is important to make sure you get the right vaccines at the right time.

“Pneumococcal vaccines are essential for protecting individuals, especially the most vulnerable, from the serious and sometimes life-threatening consequences of pneumococcal disease.”

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Cost and Insurance Coverage for Pneumococcal Vaccines

The cost of pneumococcal vaccines depends on the vaccine type, the provider, and insurance³². In the U.S., most health insurance plans, including Medicare Part B, cover these vaccines³².

Medicare Part B covers the pneumococcal vaccine once in a lifetime and a booster after 5 years³². It pays 100% for flu and pneumococcal vaccines, without counting them towards the deductible³². Medicare also covers 80% of the Hepatitis B vaccine and its administration after the deductible is met³².

It’s wise to talk to your healthcare or insurance provider about your coverage and any costs you might face for pneumococcal vaccines³². Medicare Part D covers vaccines not in Part B, with payment from your prescription drug plan³².

“Original Medicare provides 100% coverage of two pneumonia shots under Part B, and Medicare Advantage plans must cover the total cost of pneumonia shots without applying copayments, coinsurance, or deductibles.”³³

The CDC says all kids under 2 and adults over 65 should get the pneumonia shot³³. The CDC recommends the PCV13 vaccine for kids under 2 and certain adults. The PPSV23 vaccine is for adults 65 or older, smokers aged 19 to 64, and those with specific conditions³³.

Non-participating doctors might not accept Medicare’s payment for vaccines, making you pay the difference³². Claims for Hepatitis B vaccine must include the doctor’s name and NPI under Medicare Part B³².

In summary, pneumococcal vaccine costs and insurance coverage vary. Most health insurance, including Medicare Part B, covers these vaccines. Talk to your healthcare or insurance provider to know your coverage and any costs³².

Pneumococcal Vaccine Safety and Research

Pneumococcal vaccines are tested carefully before they are approved for use³⁴. Clinical trials show they are safe and work well, including PCV15, PCV20, and PPSV23³⁴. Research and monitoring after approval keep checking their safety and how well they work in real life³⁵.

There are two main types of pneumococcal vaccines: PPSV and PCV³⁴. PPSV has 23 parts of Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. PCVs have 7, 10, or 13 parts attached to a protein³⁴.

About one third of people getting the vaccine had local reactions like redness³⁴. About 10% of those getting PCV vaccine had swelling at the injection site³⁴. Adults often feel pain at the injection site, get tired, have headaches, and feel muscle and joint pain³⁴.

Studies after the vaccine was approved found mild issues like redness and swelling at the injection site, fever, and feeling tired³⁴. Serious problems are very rare with the vaccine³⁴.

Before it was approved, the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) was linked to more asthma and ear infections in some studies³⁴. It was also found to increase wheezing in some people within two months of getting the vaccine³⁴.

Doctors are key in teaching patients why pneumococcal vaccines are important. They help answer any safety or effectiveness questions patients might have.

“Pneumococcal vaccines have had significant beneficial impacts on public health, particularly in preventing severe pneumococcal disease in infants, children, and high-risk adults.”³⁶

After being used a lot in the USA, Canada, and some European countries, no big safety issues were found with pneumococcal vaccines³⁶. Studies prove they work well in stopping serious pneumococcal disease, which is a big health worry³⁶.

In summary, pneumococcal vaccines are tested a lot and researched to make sure they are safe and work well. Doctors are important in teaching patients about these important vaccines.

Conclusion

Pneumococcal vaccines are key in fighting serious pneumococcal diseases. They are safe and effective, especially for high-risk groups³⁷. These vaccines help prevent many pneumococcal infections³⁷.

Following vaccination guidelines helps protect you and your loved ones from pneumococcal diseases³⁸. The FDA has approved two vaccines: PCV13 for those 50 and older, and PPSV23 for those 65 and older³⁸. Healthcare providers are vital in educating patients and ensuring everyone gets vaccinated on time.

Even though pneumococcal vaccines offer big benefits, some studies show they don’t help with all outcomes³⁷. High-quality studies didn’t find clear effects on certain outcomes³⁷. So, policymakers might need to rethink vaccine recommendations³⁷.

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