Medicosnext
Words by Dr Ravi Mahat
Pneumococcal vaccinations have been shown to be both safe and efficacious. The general decline in S. pneumoniae transmission within communities is aided by the indirect benefits of vaccination, such as herd immunity.
A 58 year-old retired schoolteacher, hailing from Bhaktapur had a history of chronic respiratory conditions, making him particularly susceptible to respiratory infections. It was his work as a teacher coupled with his house in a place surrounded by Brick kilns that made the matters worse. Upon his admission to the hospital, I noted his recurrent bouts of pneumonia, each episode more challenging to manage than the last. Frustrated with the increasing frequency and severity of his infections, had almost resigned himself to a life full of respiratory distress. He had taken it as his way of life now. However, I tried to explore all possible avenues for improvement and proposed a comprehensive approach to managing his respiratory health, including a regular schedule of pneumococcal vaccinations. Despite initial skepticism, the patient consented to the vaccinations as part of his treatment plan. Over the following months, he received the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV) under my supervision. The impact was profound – the frequency of his respiratory infections began to decline, and the severity of the episodes diminished significantly. As the months passed, the patient experienced a newfound sense of well-being, and his quality of life improved remarkably.
Pneumococcal vaccinations offer benefits that far outweigh any potential risks, significantly lowering the incidence and consequences of pneumococcal infections.
Pneumonia is a respiratory illness that causes inflammation in the lungs and is a major global health concern. Pneumococcus, also referred to as Streptococcus pneumoniae, is a bacterium that is one of the main causes of pneumonia. The vaccinations against Streptococcus pneumoniae are known as pneumococcal vaccinations. Vaccination is generally is recommended for vulnerable populations such as infants, the elderly, and immune compromised individuals. Embracing the pneumococcal vaccine not only safeguards individual health but also contributes to community-wide protection, highlighting its role as a cornerstone in public health efforts to combat respiratory infections.
This article will discuss the value of the pneumococcal vaccination, how it helps prevent pneumonia, and how it affects general public health.
The pneumococcal vaccine’s well-established safety profile and efficacy make it a prudent choice for adults over 65, individuals with specific health conditions, and children’s immunization.
Effectiveness and Safety
Pneumococcal vaccinations have been shown to be both safe and efficacious through extensive study. Pneumococcal infection, incidence and associated consequences are significantly lower in vaccinated people. Like any medical procedure, vaccines can cause side effects, but serious adverse reactions are rare. When it comes to preventing catastrophic illnesses and saving lives, immunizations offer benefits that far outweigh any potential risks.
Impact on Public Health
Pneumococcal disease burden has been significantly decreased by vaccination campaigns, resulting in fewer hospital admissions and fatalities. The general decline in S. pneumoniae transmission within communities is further aided by the indirect benefits of vaccination, such as herd immunity.
Vaccines types
There are two types of pneumococcal vaccines available for clinical use: pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV) and pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV).
Who Should Get Pneumococcal Vaccines?
Generally Pneumococcal vaccination is recommended for
- All children younger than 5 years old
- People 5 through 64 years old who are at increased risk for pneumococcal disease like people whose immune system has weakened
- All adults 65 years or older
The more recent pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV15 and PCV20) are now available in several countries. The FDA-approved PPSV23 pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine in 1983. Regretfully, these vaccines are not legally available in Nepal for a variety of reasons.
Note: Consulting with healthcare professionals is crucial to determine an individual’s specific vaccination needs based on age, health history, and other relevant factors.
When to Get the Vaccine?
Like flu season, there is no such thing as pneumonia season. You can get vaccinated against pneumonia at any time of the year if your doctor determines that you need to. When flu season arrives, you can even receive a pneumonia vaccination in a separate arm at the same time as your flu shot. The pneumococcal vaccination schedule is determined by a number of variables, such as age, health, and risk factors.
Children and Infants (PCV): The PCV is typically administered to infants as part of the routine childhood vaccination schedule. The recommended schedule in Nepal includes doses at 6, 10 weeks and 9 months of age.
Healthy Adults (PPSV): Adults aged 65 and older are generally recommended to receive the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV). A single dose is often sufficient, but in some cases, a second dose may be recommended based on risk factors and previous vaccinations.
Adults with Certain Medical Conditions (PPSV): Adults aged 19 to 64 with specific medical conditions, such as chronic heart or lung diseases, diabetes, or immunocompromising conditions, may be advised to receive the PPSV. The timing and number of doses may vary based on individual health factors.
Immunocompromised Individuals: Individuals with weakened immune systems due to conditions like HIV or immunosuppressive treatments may receive both the PCV and PPSV.
When not to administer the pneumococcal vaccination?
Pneumococcal vaccinations are widely used, and for the populations for which they are advised, they are usually regarded as safe and effective. Nonetheless, before giving pneumococcal vaccinations, medical experts take certain precautions and contraindications into account. The following situations may call for prudence or second thought:
Previous Severe Reaction to Pneumococcal Vaccine: Individuals who have experienced a severe allergic reaction or other serious side effects to a previous dose of the pneumococcal vaccine may be advised against further doses.
Immunocompromised Individuals: Conditions such as advanced HIV infection or immunosuppressive treatments.
Acute Illness or Fever: Vaccination may be postponed in individuals with a moderate to severe acute illness or fever. A mild illness, such as a common cold, usually does not interfere with vaccination.
Pregnancy: While there is evidence supporting the safety of pneumococcal vaccines during pregnancy, decisions may be individualized based on the specific circumstances.
Challenges and Future Directions
Despite the success of pneumococcal vaccination efforts, challenges persist. Access to vaccines in certain regions, vaccine hesitancy, and the emergence of new pneumococcal strains are ongoing concerns. Continuous research and development are crucial to stay ahead of evolving bacterial threats, and efforts to improve vaccine distribution and acceptance are essential to maximizing their impact.
Conclusion
As a healthcare professional, I stress the importance of this evidence-based preventive measure in averting severe pneumococcal infections. The vaccine’s well-established safety profile and efficacy make it a prudent choice for adults over 65, individuals with specific health conditions, and children’s immunization.
