Although we are mostly concerned with influenza or COVID-19 vaccines, we rarely think about the pneumococcal vaccine. This vaccine is often overlooked, but it provides protection against potentially serious and even fatal pneumococcal disease. Whether you are an older adult, a parent of a child, or a relative of someone with a chronic illness, understanding the benefits of this vaccine can influence an informed decision you make about an important health issue.

What is Pneumococcal Disease?

Pneumococcal disease is the name given to an infection caused by the pneumococcus bacterium. Some serious infections that this bacterium can cause include:

• Pneumonia (lung infection affecting the inner tissue of the lungs),
• Meningitis (inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain),
• Infections in which bacteria spread into the bloodstream (sepsis, blood poisoning)

These diseases can be particularly dangerous for older adults, children, and those with certain chronic health conditions.

Pneumococcal Pneumonia

Pneumococcal pneumonia is one of the most common infections seen among people and may cause the following symptoms:

• Cough,
• Fever,
• Chest pain,
• Difficulty breathing

In more severe cases, hospitalization and inpatient treatment may be required.

Who Should Consider the Pneumococcal Vaccine?

The U.S. CDC recommends pneumococcal vaccination for the following groups:

• Children under 5 years old,
• Adults aged 50 and older,
• Adults aged 19–49 with the following chronic conditions: diabetes, heart disease, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),
• Those with weakened immune systems for any reason

As the immune system naturally loses its strength with age, the ability to fight infections such as pneumococcal pneumonia decreases. For this reason, even if you are healthy, you can still benefit from the pneumococcal vaccine after age 50.

Types of Pneumococcal Vaccines

There are two types of pneumococcal vaccines: pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV15, PCV20, PCV21) and pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23). Which vaccine you should receive can be determined by consulting your healthcare provider.

Benefits of the Vaccine

Vaccination helps protect you against serious diseases such as pneumonia and meningitis and reduces your risk of hospitalization.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is natural to have questions about the vaccine. The pneumococcal vaccine has been tested extensively for many years and is recommended worldwide. As with any vaccine, you may experience mild side effects: redness at the injection site, dizziness, fatigue, fever, or headache.

Broader Effects of the Vaccine

Beyond your personal protection, the pneumococcal vaccine also provides broader benefits: through herd immunity, as more people are vaccinated, the spread of disease decreases. This way, those who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons are also protected, and by preventing bacterial infections that may require antibiotic treatment, a reduction in antibiotic resistance is achieved.

How to Get Vaccinated?

To get vaccinated, it is sufficient to consult your primary healthcare provider. Healthcare professionals will guide you appropriately to ensure that you and your loved ones are protected against pneumococcal diseases.

source: https://www.universityhealth.com/blog/why-its-time-to-consider-the-pneumococcal-vaccine