Streptococcus pneumoniae is a bacteria that can cause infections that range from mild to severe, including:

• Ear infections
• Pneumonia
• Meningitis
• Blood infections

There are different types of pneumococcal bacteria. The pneumococcal vaccines protect against the types that cause the most pneumococcal related illnesses.

There are two types of pneumococcal vaccines. The vaccine that you or your child receives will depend on your specific situations

• The pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23 or Pneumovax 23) protects against twenty three types of bacteria. This vaccine may be used for people age two and older.
• The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13 or Prevnar 13) protects against 13 types of bacteria. This vaccine may be used for people age six weeks and older.

For Children

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that healthy children be routinely vaccinated against pneumococcal disease. Four doses of the PCV13 vaccine are given at ages:

• Two months
• Four months
• Six months
• Twelve through fifteen months

Unvaccinated children over the age of two with certain risk factors should receive one or both of the pneumococcal vaccines. Those risk factors include:

• Certain chronic diseases
• A weakened immune system
• Leaking cerebrospinal fluid
• A cochlear implant
• Not having a spleen or having a spleen that isn't functioning properly (including sickle cell anemia

The vaccine choice (PCV 13 or PPSV23) will depend on your child's situation. The number of doses in the series and their timing will vary depending on the vaccine that's given. Ask your healthcare provider for details.

For Adults

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends PCV 13 and PPSV23 for all adults age 65 or older.

• Unvaccinated adults should receive one dose of PCV13 and one dose of PPSV23 at least one year after the PCV13.
• This recommendation may vary if you have already had a pneumococcal vaccine or if you have certain health problems.
• Ask your healthcare provider for details.

Pneumococcal vaccine is also recommended for adults through age sixty-four who:

• Smoke cigarettes
• Have a chronic disease (including heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, chronic liver diseases and/or alcohol use)
• Have a weakened immune system
• Do not have a spleen or have a spleen that isn't functioning properly (including sickle cell anemia)
• Are leaking cerebrospinal fluid
• Have or are planning to have a cochlear implant

The vaccine choice (PCV 13 and/or PPSV23) will depend on your individual situation. Ask your healthcare provider for details.

The vaccine may also be considered for children and adults of groups who have a greater risk of developing pneumococcal disease. This includes certain:

• Native American populations
• Alaskan populations

If you or your child has a moderate to severe illness, check with your healthcare provider before receiving the pneumococcal vaccine. You should never receive the vaccine if you have a history of a serious allergy or reaction to any of the components of the vaccine.

Contact your healthcare provider if your child is not up to date on their vaccines. Here is a list of questions you can ask about the pneumococcal vaccine.

• Do you recommend this vaccine for me or my child, and why?
• What are the risk factors for a Streptococcus pneumoniae infection?
• Does this vaccine need boosters, and when?
• What are the side effects of this vaccine?
• What are the risks if someone doesn't get the vaccine?

Source UHC.com

Also known as:

Pneumonia Vaccine

Pneumoccal Vaccine

Pneumoccal Shot

Vaccine Pneumonia

Vaccine - Pneumonia

Vaccine

Pneumonia Shot

Pneumonia Immunization

Immunization Pneumonia