Pneumonia is a serious respiratory infection, especially for older adults. It inflames the air sacs in the lungs, potentially filling them with fluid or pus, making breathing difficult. For individuals aged 65 and over, the risks of severe illness, hospitalization, and death from pneumonia are heightened. Vaccination is a primary preventative measure against this disease.
Understanding Pneumonia Vaccines
Pneumococcal vaccines protect against infections caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae, a common cause of pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections. Two main types of pneumococcal vaccines are relevant for adults over 65: pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) and pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccines (PPSVs). These vaccines differ in composition and how they stimulate the immune system.
Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines, such as PCV15 and PCV20, contain bacterial polysaccharides linked to a protein carrier. This conjugation allows for a more robust and longer-lasting immune response by activating T-cells for immune memory. PCV15 protects against 15 types of pneumococcal bacteria, while PCV20 protects against 20 types. In contrast, the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine, PPSV23, consists only of purified bacterial polysaccharides from 23 different strains. PPSV23 primarily stimulates B-cells, resulting in an immune response that is less durable and does not generate long-term memory like conjugate vaccines.
Recommended Vaccination Schedule for Seniors
For adults aged 65 and older, pneumococcal vaccination is recommended, with specific approaches depending on prior vaccination history. If an adult aged 65 or older has never received any pneumococcal vaccine or their history is unknown, there are two options.
One option is receiving a single dose of PCV20. If PCV20 is administered, no additional pneumococcal vaccine doses are needed.
The second option for previously unvaccinated seniors is to receive one dose of PCV15, followed by a dose of PPSV23. The PPSV23 dose should be administered at least one year after the PCV15 shot. For individuals with certain immunocompromising conditions, this interval can be shortened to at least eight weeks.
Different recommendations apply for seniors who have received previous pneumococcal vaccines. If an adult aged 65 or older has only received PPSV23 at any age, they should receive one dose of PCV20 at least one year after their last PPSV23 dose. If they previously received only PCV13, they should get one dose of PCV20 at least one year after the PCV13 dose. For those who have received both PCV13 and PPSV23, but the PPSV23 was administered before they turned 65, a dose of PCV20 should be given at least five years after their last pneumococcal vaccine.
Importance of Vaccination and What to Expect
Vaccination against pneumonia is important for seniors due to their increased susceptibility to severe outcomes. As people age, their immune systems naturally weaken, and existing chronic health conditions become more prevalent, raising the risk of serious pneumonia. Pneumonia can lead to complications such as bacteremia, pleurisy, and acute respiratory distress syndrome, which can be life-threatening.
The benefits of pneumococcal vaccination for older adults are clear. Vaccination can reduce the risk of contracting severe pneumococcal disease, decrease hospitalization rates, and lower the risk of death. It provides defense against common bacterial causes of pneumonia.
After receiving a pneumococcal vaccine, individuals may experience mild and temporary side effects. These common reactions include soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site. Some people might also experience a mild fever, fatigue, or headache. These effects are mild and resolve within one to two days. Serious allergic reactions are rare but can occur, usually within minutes of vaccination. Pneumococcal vaccines are available at healthcare provider offices and pharmacies.