VACCINE AWARENESS RAISING FOUNDATION AFRICA
PNEUMOCOCCAL DISEASE
While pneumonia is generally preventable through vaccinations and a healthy lifestyle, it can still be fatal, particularly in infants, young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. Although fatalities are rare, staying current on vaccines remains crucial for prevention.
BERNIE MAC, AMERICAN COMEDIAN AND ACTOR
In the summer of 2004, Bernie Mac faced a challenging health ordeal when he contracted pneumonia in both lungs, coupled with extreme exhaustion. Despite the adversity, he persevered, displaying remarkable resilience. However, tragedy struck in August 2008 when the acclaimed comedian succumbed to complications arising from pneumonia. Bernie Mac's untimely departure left a void in the entertainment world, and his legacy endures through the laughter and joy he brought to audiences worldwide.
SHANE MACGOWAN
In December 2023, Shane MacGowan the lead singer of Anglo-Irish band The Pogues died of complications from pneumonia, his wife Victoria Mary Clarke revealed to the New York Times. The musician was 65 at the time of his death.
PNEUMOCOCCAL VACCINE
Pneumococcal disease encompasses infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, or pneumococcus bacteria. These infections vary from ear and sinus to pneumonia and bloodstream infections. Pneumonia, resulting from bacteria, viruses, or fungi, involves lung inflammation and fluid or pus accumulation. Bacterial pneumonia is generally more severe than viral pneumonia, which may resolve independently. It can affect one or both lungs, termed bilateral or double pneumonia. Fortunately, vaccines are available to help prevent pneumococcal disease.
Pneumonia
Contagiousness
Pneumonia itself is not contagious, but the bacteria and viruses that lead to it are. For example, the flu is contagious and can result in pneumonia, though not everyone with the flu will develop pneumonia. The primary bacterium causing pneumonia, Streptococcus pneumoniae, can spread through touch or airborne particles from coughing and sneezing.
Pneumonia caused by fungi is non-contagious, as fungal infections do not transmit from person to person like viruses and bacteria. Vaccination against common pneumonia-causing agents is the most effective prevention method, complemented by everyday precautions to minimize the risk of pneumonia.
TYPES OF PNEUMOCOCCAL INFECTION
TYPE OF INFECTION
Invasive pneumococcal disease involves severe infections where germs invade typically germ-free areas, often requiring hospital care and potentially leading to death. Examples include pneumonia (lung infection), bacteremia (blood infection/sepsis), sinusitis (sinus infection/middle ear infection), meningitis (infection of the brain and spinal cord lining), and otitis media (middle ear infection).
RISK FACTORS
Those at an increased risk for pneumococcal disease include children under 5, adults 65 or older, and individuals with conditions like alcoholism, fluid leaks, chronic heart/kidney/liver/lung diseases, cigarette smoking, cochlear implants, diabetes, weakened immune systems, and chronic lung diseases like COPD, emphysema, and asthma.
SYMPTOMS & COMPLICATIONS
Pneumococcal pneumonia, which affects 1 in 20, can lead to severe complications such as empyema, pericarditis, and lung issues. Recognizing symptoms like fever, cough, rapid breathing, or chest pain is crucial for early intervention.
YOUNG, OLD & SICK
Invasive pneumococcal disease primarily affects children under 2, adults over 65, and immunocompromised individuals. In 2010, the incidence was 3.8 per 100,000 in those aged 18-34, but significantly higher in the elderly and immunocompromised. Despite available vaccines, it still results in 4,000 annual deaths in the United States.
DANGERS OF PNEUMONIA
Streptococcus pneumoniae, a major cause of human disease, has seen reduced impact since 2000 due to widespread vaccination in children. Pneumonia caused by bacterial infection can lead to complications like lung abscesses, bacteremia, septic shock, heart failure, pleural effusions, empyema, pleurisy, respiratory failure, and kidney failure. Untreated pneumonia can result in serious health issues, emphasizing the importance of timely intervention and treatment.
PNEUMONIA VACCINE
Pneumococcal vaccines can prevent not only pneumonia but also some cases of meningitis and sepsis.
Vaccines are the best way to prevent pneumococcal disease. Learn what else you can do to help protect yourselves and others from pneumococcal disease. Are you at risk for pneumonia? This deadly disease reaches its peak during the winter/cold months, but it can be contracted any time of the year.
PNEUMONIA VACCINE
There are two kinds of vaccine against bacterium streptococcus pneumonia recommended by CDC
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Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV15 or PCV20)
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Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23)
These vaccines protect against many, but not all common types of pneumococcal bacteria. Also, the protection from these vaccines is good but not perfect (or 100%). For these two reasons, there is still a chance someone can develop pneumococcal disease after vaccination.
VACCINE RECOMMENDATIONS
CDC recommends pneumococcal vaccination for
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All children younger than 5 years old
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People 5 through 64 years old who are at increased risk for pneumococcal disease
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Adults 65 years or older
PREVENTIVE ANTIBIOTICS
It is not recommended that close contacts of someone with pneumococcal disease receive antibiotics to prevent them from getting sick. Experts call this prophylaxis. Generally, people do not develop pneumococcal disease after exposure to someone with a pneumococcal infection.
RE-INFECTION
People can get pneumococcal disease more than once. A previous pneumococcal infection will not protect you from future infection. Therefore, pneumococcal vaccination is recommended even if someone has had pneumococcal disease in the past.
SYNFLORIX
SYNFLORIX helps protect children against pneumococcal disease.
Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (Non-Typeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) protein D, diphtheria or tetanus toxoid conjugates) adsorbed.SYNFLORIX is indicated for active immunization of infants and children from 6 weeks up to 5 years of age against diseases caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes 1, 4, 5, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19F, 23F and cross-reactive 19A.
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invasive disease (including sepsis, meningitis, bacteraemic pneumonia, pleural empyema and bacteraemia)
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pneumonia
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acute otitis media (AOM)
Children Vaccines
All children younger than 5 years old should receive PCV13 or PCV15.
Children 5 through 18 years old with certain medical conditions that increase their risk of pneumococcal disease should receive PCV13 or PCV15.
Children 2 through 18 years old with certain medical conditions should also receive PPSV23.
Adult Vaccine
Adults who have never received a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine should receive PCV15 or PCV20 if they
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Are 65 years and older
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Are 19 through 64 years old and have certain medical conditions or other risk factors
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If PCV15 is used, it should be followed by a dose of PPSV23.Adults who received an earlier pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13 or PCV7) should talk with a vaccine provider to learn about available options to complete their pneumococcal vaccine series.
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Adults 65 years or older have the option to get PCV20 if they have already receivedPCV13 (but not PCV15 or PCV20) at any ageandPPSV23 at or after the age of 65 years oldThese adults can talk with their doctor and decide, together, whether to get PCV20.