Is There A Vaccine Against Pneumonia Or Not?

It is not easy to answer the question of whether it is a vaccine against pneumonia or not. The simplest answer is “yes, in a way… This is because there are different types of pneumonia and no vaccine is targeted at all of them.

Pneumonia is the leading cause of death from infection worldwide. It is a serious disease that can be fatal under certain circumstances. It always causes inflammation of the lungs and damage to the tissues of these organs, which sometimes impairs the quality of life in the medium and long term.

Doctors insist that one of the most effective ways to resist the disease is through vaccination against pneumonia and influenza. Many people do not take them not because they are not aware of the serious risk of these diseases.

The risk of pneumonia

There are a large number of deaths worldwide from pneumococcal pneumonia each year. This disease claims the life of one in 20 people who get it. Furthermore, it is the most common form of pneumonia and due to bacteria entering the lungs.

Another infection caused by pneumonia is pneumococci, which cause one in five people who get it to die. Pneumococcal meningitis has the same proportions and a notorious severity. All these infections are caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, whose common names are pneumococci.

These bacteria cause everything from mild to serious infections that spread through contact, proximity to infected people and from droplets that spread through coughing and sneezing.

Some asymptomatic people can transmit the disease, so many of the carriers actually have no clear signs of pneumonia. Therefore, it is important to wash your hands as often as you can.

Vaccine against pneumonia

The pneumonia vaccine provides protection against all forms of pneumococcal infection – except those caused by fungi. They are therefore an effective measure to take care of respiratory health.

The pneumonia vaccine currently available is the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine or PPSV23. It protects against 23 types of bacteria that cause pneumococcal disease. The thirteen valentine pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV13) are also available.

Most people need a dose of PPSV23 every five years to protect against the disease. Only for high-risk patients, the second dose of the vaccine before or in conjunction with PCV13 is recommended.

Furthermore, at least one year should elapse between doses. A physician must also determine which vaccine is best for each patient and how many doses they need, according to their specific health condition.

Who needs a vaccine against pneumonia?

Pneumonia can affect people of all ages and conditions. In principle, however, adults over the age of 65 should be vaccinated as they are the most vulnerable population.

It is common for the elderly to get PCV13 first, followed by PPSV23 a year later. When they received one PCV13 at a younger age, they must not receive another. Regardless, the doctor will decide what is best for each case.

In addition, children under 5 years of age and adults with chronic respiratory, heart or liver disease should be vaccinated. It is also useful for people who are immunocompromised, have cochlear implants, smoke cigarettes or drink large amounts of alcohol.

Side effects of the vaccine are rare. Usually, it only in some cases causes redness or slight swelling in the arm. However, those with previous allergic reactions to any of the components should not take the vaccine.

Prevention is always better

The existence of these vaccine variants against pneumonia is an opportunity to prevent the disease. Their availability allows people at high risk for serious forms of the disease to avoid it. Healthcare professionals will know about it when needed. Talk to your doctor if you think you may be part of the high-risk groups.