Understanding Influenza Vaccines

Pneumococcal vaccine is given to prevent pneumococcal disease. This disease is caused by infection with pneumococcus bacteria. Many people do not get sick even after having this bacteria in their body, whereas these same people can infect another person by spreading the bacteria in the form of microscopic droplets of liquid while exhaling, sneezing and coughing. In some cases, a person may also get other serious infections due to pneumococcal disease.

Pneumonia (lung infection)

Meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord)

Blood infection (Bacteremia) । In case of pneumonia, the patient has symptoms like fever, cough and difficulty in breathing, whereas in meningitis, the person may have headache, fever, stiffness in the neck, sensitivity to light, confusion etc. In meningitis, children show symptoms of loss of appetite and vomiting. In blood infection, the patient feels fever and cold. Apart from this, ear infection can also be a problem due to pneumococcal.

(Read more - Vaccination: types, benefits)

Why is pneumococcal vaccine necessary:

Pneumococcal is an infectious disease, it spreads easily from one person to another. In this, there is a high possibility of serious infection in the lungs, blood and lining of the brain and spinal cord.

Pneumococcal disease can be fatal mainly for children, elderly and people with other special medical conditions. Pneumococcal vaccine is considered an effective way to prevent this disease.

There are mainly two types of pneumococcal vaccine -

• PCV13 vaccine: This vaccine is given to infants, elderly and people suffering from any health problem. 
• PPSV23 vaccine: This vaccine is given to children 2 years or older, elderly, people suffering from health problems and people aged 19 to 64 years who smoke.

(Read more -BCG Vaccine)

This vaccine is given to infants below two years of age and elderly people aged 65 years or above. Along with this, other children and adults suffering from certain health conditions are also given pneumococcal vaccines. Below is a detailed description of the dosage and age of pneumococcal vaccine.

PCV13 vaccine
Four doses are given to children below two years of age. The first dose is given to the child at the age of two months, the second dose at four months, the third dose at six months and the fourth dose at 12 to 15 months. 

One dose of this vaccine is given to people aged 65 years or above.

Children and adults aged 2 to 64 years are given the vaccine only under special health conditions, in which the dosage of the medicine may vary depending on the current state of health. 

PPSV23 Vaccine
This vaccine is given in different doses to smokers aged 19 to 64 years. 

Children aged 2 to 64 years, adults and elderly people are given the vaccine in case of special health problems. Along with this, people with weak immunity are also given only one dose of this medicine. 

One dose of vaccine is given to elderly people aged 65 or above.

(Read more - Meningococcal Vaccine)

Generally, the side effects of pneumococcal vaccines are very less and they get cured in a few days. Serious side effects from this vaccine are seen in very few cases. It is safe to apply this vaccine, but there are many cases in which the reactions of this vaccine can be serious. The side effects of pneumococcal vaccine are described as follows based on both the main vaccines:

Side effects of PCV13 vaccine

• Pain, swelling and redness at the site of injection.
• Adults may complain of headaches due to this vaccine.
• Loss of appetite,
• Irritability,
• Fatigue, 
• Chills.

Side effects of PPSV23 vaccine

• Pain, swelling and redness at the site of injection
• Fever,
• Muscle pain.

The effects of these problems are very mild, which get cured on their own within two days. Some common problems after taking the injection-

Some people start feeling unconscious after the injection. 

If someone starts feeling dizzy, has difficulty in seeing or hears the sound of bells in their ears after taking the vaccine, then a doctor should be consulted immediately.

Some people feel pain in the shoulder after getting the injection. In such a situation, the person finds it difficult to move his shoulder.

In very rare cases, the vaccine can cause an allergic reaction to the person. This can happen a few minutes or a few hours after taking the vaccine.

(Read more - Impact of the MMR Vaccine)

Pneumococcal vaccine is not recommended in certain circumstances. Due to some disease or other health condition, many times doctors do not consider it appropriate to give this vaccine to infants, adults and the elderly. Know further who should not take the pneumococcal vaccine.

• If a person or child has had a fatal allergy to the previous dose of pneumococcal vaccine or an allergy at the site of injection, then the vaccine should not be given again. 
• People who have had a mild or severe reaction or illness to the pneumococcal vaccine should wait until they recover before getting another dose. Also, if you are sick while getting another dose, talk to your doctor about it. 
• People who have a severe allergy to any ingredient in the pneumococcal vaccine should not get this vaccine. 
• If you are allergic to the vaccine before taking it, you should talk to your doctor. 
• Pregnant women should consult a doctor before getting the vaccine.

(Read more - Understanding Influenza Vaccines)

Pneumococcal vaccination is given to prevent infections caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae. It is especially important for children, the elderly, and individuals with a weakened immune system. This vaccine provides protection against serious diseases like pneumonia, meningitis and ear infections. There are two main types of pneumococcal vaccines—PCV (Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine) and PPSV (Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine), which are administered according to age and risk factors. Although there may be mild side effects like mild fever, swelling or pain, the benefits are greater. This vaccination is an effective and safe measure in preventing infectious diseases.