Pneumococcal Vaccination: Everything You Need To Know

Pneumococcal vaccination is a crucial step to protect against infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, a leading cause of pneumonia. Let's take a closer look at these vaccines, including the different types, recommended vaccine schedules and considerations to ensure you're well-informed about the importance of this preventive measure.

What Is the Pneumococcal Vaccine?

Pneumococcal vaccines offer protection against illnesses caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae infections. Pneumococcal diseases are a leading cause of pneumonia, meningitis and bloodstream infections. Further, pneumococcal vaccination is particularly important for older adults, young children and individuals with certain medical conditions.

Pneumococcal vaccines are preventive measures that help protect you and your loved ones from serious illness and even death. The following statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlight the importance of pneumococcal vaccines:

·     Pneumococcal pneumonia is fatal in about 1 in 20 cases.

·     Pneumococcal meningitis may lead to death in about 1 in 12 children and 1 in 6 older adults, and those who survive may suffer long-term complications, such as hearing loss or brain damage.

·     Pneumococcal blood infections are fatal in 1 in 30 children and 1 in 8 adults.

Fortunately, the advancement of vaccines has led to a dramatic decrease in the rates of pneumococcal disease and complications in the U.S. Pneumococcal vaccination offers protection against common types of pneumococcal bacteria and helps prevent pneumococcal diseases.

*In general, pneumococcal immunizations are recommended for:

·     Children younger than 5 years old.

·     People aged 5 to 64 with medical conditions or other factors that increase their risk for pneumococcal disease.

·     Adults aged 65 years and older.

Types of Pneumococcal Vaccines

Different types of pneumococcal vaccines are available. This is because pneumococcal bacteria are categorized into serotypes ("strains") based on their distinct structure, which is also a key factor in their ability to cause disease. More than 100 pneumococcal serotypes have been identified.

Vaccines have been developed to protect against the serotypes of pneumococcal bacteria that most commonly cause severe and invasive diseases. These serotypes are included in commercially available vaccines: PCV13, PCV15, PCV20 and PPSV23. Below is an overview of these different types of pneumococcal vaccines.

Understanding the differences is important to ensure you receive the appropriate protection. Your Rite Aid pharmacist or other healthcare professional can help determine which vaccines are recommended for you.

Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines

Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) protect against different serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. The number of serotypes covered varies depending on the vaccine.

Available PCVs include:

·     PCV13, also known as Prevnar-13, protects against 13 different serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria.

·     PCV15, also known as Vaxneuvance, protects against 15 different serotypes.

·     PCV20, also known as Prevnar-20, protects against 20 different serotypes.

The different PCVs are recommended for different people based on their age and medical status. (More on these details later.)

In 2021, the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) updated its recommendations to replace PCV13 with PCV15 or PCV20 because they protect against additional serotypes.

Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine

The pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23), also known as Pneumovax-23, protects against 23 serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae.

PPSV23 is recommended for most older adults (aged 65 and older). This vaccine is also recommended for anyone two years or older with certain medical conditions that increase the risk for pneumococcal disease.

Most people only need to get one dose of PPSV23. A second dose of PPSV23 is recommended for certain high-risk groups.

Vaccination Schedule

Vaccination is recommended to protect individuals from pneumococcal disease. Specific guidelines from the ACIP are updated regularly and serve to recommend who should receive these vaccines and when.

Infants and Children

PCV15 or PCV20 is routinely recommended for infants and children younger than 5 years old. Most children receive a total of four doses in a series, with one dose at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months and 12-15 months of age. Note that if a child starts the series with PCV13, it's not necessary to start over. Instead, it's recommended that they finish the series with PCV15 or PCV20.

For children who are unvaccinated or received an incomplete PCV series, the specific recommendations vary depending on their age and health. Talk to a pharmacist or other healthcare professional to ensure your child is up to date on their immunizations.

Adults

Routine administration of PCV15 or PCV20 is recommended for all adults 65 years or older who have never received any pneumococcal vaccines or whose vaccination history is unknown. If PCV15 is used, a dose of PPSV23 should be administered one year later for most individuals. If PCV20 is administered, a dose of PPSV23 is not needed.

Vaccination with PCV15, PCV20 and/or PPSV23 may also be recommended for adults aged 19 to 64 years old with certain high-risk conditions. Recommendations may vary based on underlying health conditions or other risk factors for developing pneumococcal disease.

By following the recommended vaccination schedules, individuals and healthcare providers can ensure that the right patients receive the necessary protection against pneumococcal disease at the right time.

High-Risk Groups

Individuals with weakened immune systems or certain medical conditions have an increased risk of complications if they get infected with pneumococcal bacteria. Because of this, pneumococcal vaccines are especially beneficial for helping prevent complications and lowering the risk of disease in adults with the following conditions or factors:

·     Diabetes mellitus

·     Heart disease, such as congestive heart failure

·     Liver disease

·     Lung disease, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

·     Cochlear implant

·     Conditions or treatments that compromise or suppress the immune system

·     Cerebrospinal fluid leak

·     Alcohol use disorder

·     Cigarette use

Pneumococcal protection is also crucial for older adults. While the vaccine schedule varies based on previous vaccination history and coexisting conditions and risk factors, routine administration of PCV15 or PCV20 is recommended for all adults ages 65 years or older who have never received any PCV or whose vaccination history is unknown.

Booster Doses and Revaccination

Some adults may require booster doses or revaccination based on their age, health conditions, risk factors and past vaccine history. Determining the need for boosters and revaccination should be done in consultation with your healthcare provider. It's helpful to record what vaccination you received and when and share this information with your primary care provider.

Recommendations for boosters and revaccination vary. Note that the pneumococcal recommendations from the ACIP have recently been updated. Some of the following information may initially be confusing, but rest assured that a pharmacist or healthcare provider can help determine your eligibility for pneumococcal vaccines.

If you're an adult who has already received an earlier version of a PCV, it's recommended you talk with a vaccine provider. They'll help review your available options to complete the pneumococcal vaccine series.

Adults who were previously recommended to get both PCV13 and PPSV23 (and who already received one PCV13 shot) now generally have the option to complete the recommended series with either PCV20 or PPSV23.

Deciding whether to receive PCV20 should be done based on a conversation between a patient (or their caregiver) and their healthcare provider. Older adults 65 years of age or older have the option to receive PCV20 if they previously completed the pneumococcal vaccine series with both PCV13 and PPSV23 and they previously received one dose of PCV13 (but not PCV15 or PCV20) at any age and all recommended doses of PPSV23 (including 1 dose of PPSV23 at or after the age of 65 years).

Older people (ages 65 years and up) who have already received both PCV13 and PPSV23 vaccines do not typically need to get the PCV20 vaccine. However, certain factors like exposure risk, other medical conditions or increased risk of severe disease may lead someone and their healthcare provider to decide that getting the PCV20 vaccine is necessary. The length of time since their last pneumococcal vaccination, such as more than five years, can also be a factor in this decision.

To determine the best course of action for you, consult with a healthcare professional.

Side Effects and Considerations

Certain vaccines may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with existing health conditions or advanced age. Like any medication, vaccines carry the risk of side effects. Fortunately, most individuals who receive a pneumococcal vaccine do not experience any significant problems.

In most cases, any side effects are mild and resolve on their own within a day or two. However, it is crucial to inform your healthcare provider if you suspect or are worried about a serious reaction occurring.

Common Side Effects

Common side effects of pneumococcal vaccines include:

·     Feeling tired

·     Loss of appetite

·     Sore arm

·     Swelling or irritation at the injection site

·     Fever

·     Headache

General Warnings

The benefits of vaccinations generally outweigh the risks, and any side effects are typically minimal. Still, it's important to recognize that side effects such as dizziness or fainting may occur, as they could after receiving any type of shot. Sitting or lying down for about 15 minutes after the vaccination can help prevent these side effects and any resulting injuries. If you experience vision changes or ringing in the ears, seek medical attention right away.

Additionally, as with any medication, there is a possibility of a severe allergic reaction. Severe reactions are uncommon. Before getting any vaccine, let the immunizer know about any allergic reactions you've had after receiving a vaccine in the past.

Safeguarding Your Health

Pneumococcal immunization is an important measure to protect and maintain the health of you and your loved ones by safeguarding against pneumococcal disease. You may be due for a vaccination depending on your age, other health conditions, risk factors and prior vaccination history. Work with your primary care provider or Rite Aid pharmacist to discuss which vaccines are right for you and schedule appointments for the ones you're due to receive. Schedule online or stop by your local Rite Aid today.

*State, age & health restrictions may apply. Ask your pharmacist for details.

These articles are intended for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and are not intended to treat or cure any disease. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in these articles. Advances in medicine may cause this information to become outdated, invalid, or subject to debate. Professional opinions and interpretations of scientific literature may vary. Consult your healthcare professional before making changes to your diet, exercise or medication regimen.

Sources:

1.     Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pneumococcal. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/pneumo/index.html

2.     Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms & complications. https://www.cdc.gov/pneumococcal/about/symptoms-complications.html

3.     Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/pneumococcal/about/prevention.html

4.     Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. What everyone should know. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/pneumo/public/index.html

5.     Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About pneumococcal vaccines. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/pneumo/hcp/about-vaccine.html

6.     DailyMed. Label: PREVNAR 13- pneumococcal 13-valent conjugate vaccine injection, suspension. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=5d49181b-b974-a5da-3b38-12a3a87bb96b

7.     DailyMed. Label: VAXNEUVANCE- pneumococcal 15-valent conjugate vaccine crm197 protein adsorbed injection, suspension. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=1158fa93-ef41-4a29-8252-9251f94c53c8

8.     DailyMed. Label: PREVNAR 20- pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate vaccine injection, suspension. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=d4e2cf51-e6a8-4103-bb1d-6120c6474ff8

9.     DailyMed. Label: PNEUMOVAX 23- pneumococcal vaccine polyvalent injection, solution. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=bb362a20-6d91-4ae8-bebb-9ee8b2591814

10.      Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pneumococcal vaccination: summary of who and when to vaccinate. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/pneumo/hcp/who-when-to-vaccinate.html

11.      Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pneumococcal vaccine recommendations. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/pneumo/hcp/recommendations.html#:~:text=Routine%20Vaccination%20of%20Infants%20and%20Children,-CDC%20recommends%20routine&text=Give%20PCV15%20or%20PCV20%20to,later%20should%20still%20get%20vaccinated

12.      Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pneumococcal vaccines. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/vaccines/pneumococcal-vaccine.html

13.      Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Shared clinical decision-making PCV20 vaccination for adults 65 years or older. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/admin/downloads/job-aid-SCDM-PCV20-508.pdf