Pneumococcal disease, caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, leads to various illnesses ranging from ear and sinus infections to severe conditions like pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections (sepsis). These bacteria spread easily through respiratory droplets. While some carry the bacteria without symptoms, others develop serious infections, especially vulnerable populations. Vaccination provides effective protection against these infections, reducing the risk of severe illness and death.
How Often Do You Need the Pneumococcal Vaccine?
The pneumococcal vaccine is generally not an annual immunization like the flu shot; its frequency depends on age, health status, and the specific vaccine type received. For most healthy adults, especially those aged 65 and older, vaccination involves one or two doses administered years apart. Adults 65 years and older typically receive a single dose of a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV20 or PCV21), or a PCV15 followed by a pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) after at least one year.
For those who received a pneumococcal vaccine before age 65, recommendations for additional doses are re-evaluated when they reach 65, often requiring another shot if enough time has passed. Adults aged 19-64 with specific risk conditions may also need one or two doses, with schedules varying based on their health and vaccination history. The protection from these vaccines can last for many years, sometimes for the remainder of a person’s life after the recommended series is completed.
Who Benefits from Pneumococcal Vaccination?
Pneumococcal vaccination is recommended for several groups to protect against serious infections, particularly those at higher risk. Young children, including infants, receive routine vaccinations due to their developing immune systems. All children younger than 5 are advised to be vaccinated, with specific schedules. Adults aged 65 and older are another primary group for vaccination, as their immune systems naturally weaken with age, increasing their susceptibility to severe pneumococcal disease.
Additionally, individuals of any age with certain underlying medical conditions face an elevated risk and are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated. These conditions include chronic heart, lung, liver, or kidney disease, diabetes, and weakened immune systems due to conditions like HIV or treatments such as chemotherapy. Other risk factors include a damaged or absent spleen, cochlear implants, cerebrospinal fluid leaks, and smoking. Vaccination for these groups helps prevent serious outcomes like pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis.
Understanding Pneumococcal Vaccine Types
Two main types of pneumococcal vaccines are available: Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines (PCVs) and Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccines (PPSV23). PCVs, such as PCV13 (Prevnar 13), PCV15 (Vaxneuvance), PCV20 (Prevnar 20), and PCV21, protect against a specific number of pneumococcal bacterial strains by linking a polysaccharide (sugar) antigen to a protein carrier. This conjugate structure allows for a stronger and longer-lasting immune response, including immunological memory, making them suitable for young children and preferred for many adult vaccinations. For example, PCV13 covers 13 strains, while PCV20 protects against 20 strains.
The Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine, PPSV23 (Pneumovax 23), protects against 23 different strains of pneumococcal bacteria using purified polysaccharide antigens. Unlike conjugate vaccines, PPSV23 produces a T-cell-independent immune response with more limited memory, often requiring revaccination in certain high-risk groups. While PCVs are typically recommended for children and certain adults, PPSV23 is often given to adults aged 65 and older or those with specific medical conditions, sometimes in sequence with a PCV to offer broader protection. The choice and sequence of these vaccines depend on an individual’s age, health status, and prior vaccination history.