Pneumonia is a serious lung infection that can lead to significant health complications. New and improved vaccines continue to offer broader protection.
Understanding Pneumonia and Its Causes
Pneumonia is inflammation of the lung tissue. This inflammation often results from infections caused by various pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. These invaders can cause the air sacs in the lungs to fill with fluid or pus, making breathing difficult.
Among bacterial causes, Streptococcus pneumoniae, also known as pneumococcus, is a common culprit, especially in adults. Different pathogens cause varied forms of pneumonia, so no single “pneumonia vaccine” exists. Vaccines are developed to target particular common causes, such as certain strains of pneumococcal bacteria.
Established Pneumonia Vaccines
For many years, two types of vaccines have been widely used to protect against Streptococcus pneumoniae: the Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV13, brand name Prevnar 13) and the Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (PPSV23, brand name Pneumovax 23). PCV13 protects against 13 specific serotypes of the bacteria. It is recommended for young children as part of their routine immunization schedule and for certain adults.
PPSV23 offers broader coverage, protecting against 23 serotypes. This vaccine is typically recommended for older adults and individuals with specific underlying health conditions that increase their risk of pneumococcal disease. Conjugate vaccines like PCV13 generally induce a stronger, longer-lasting immune response. Polysaccharide vaccines like PPSV23 provide immunity but are less effective for long-term protection, especially in younger children.
Recent Advancements in Pneumonia Vaccination
Newer conjugate vaccines offer enhanced protection. Two such vaccines are PCV15 (Vaxneuvance) and PCV20 (Prevnar 20). PCV15 protects against 15 serotypes, including all 13 covered by PCV13, plus two additional strains (22F and 33F). This vaccine received FDA approval for adults in 2021 and for children aged 6 weeks through 17 years in 2022.
PCV20 protects against 20 serotypes. This vaccine includes all 13 serotypes from PCV13 and seven additional strains, providing protection against more prevalent and disease-causing strains. PCV20 was licensed for adults aged 18 years and older in 2021, with expanded approval for children in 2023.
These newer vaccines simplify vaccination schedules for certain populations due to their broader coverage. For instance, PCV20 can often complete a pneumococcal vaccination series in a single dose for many adults, eliminating the need for a follow-up PPSV23 shot. The development of PCV15 and PCV20 provides healthcare providers with more options to tailor protection against pneumococcal disease, particularly for those at higher risk.
Current Vaccination Recommendations
Current recommendations for pneumococcal vaccination incorporate both the established and newer vaccines, aiming to provide comprehensive protection across different age groups and risk profiles. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises pneumococcal vaccination for all children younger than 5 years old. Children typically receive a 4-dose series of either PCV15 or PCV20.
For adults, the CDC recommends pneumococcal vaccination for all individuals aged 50 years or older. Adults aged 19 through 49 years with certain chronic medical conditions or other risk factors also have a recommendation for vaccination. Depending on prior vaccination history, a single dose of PCV20 may be recommended, or a series involving PCV15 followed by PPSV23. Healthcare providers can offer personalized guidance based on an individual’s health history and specific risk factors.