What are pneumococcal infections?
Pneumococcal infections are caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae and can lead to pneumonia, septicaemia (a kind of blood poisoning) and meningitis. At their worst, they can cause permanent brain damage, or even kill.
Pneumococcal vaccines protect against serious and potentially fatal pneumococcal infections. There are two types of pneumococcal vaccines currently available – Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (PPSV23) and the Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV).
As part of the National Adult Immunisation Schedule initiated by the Ministry of Health, 1 or 2 doses of the pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for adults between the age of 18 and 64 and 1 dose of the vaccine is recommended for adults above the age of 65.
What are the symptoms of pneumococcal infection?
Symptoms vary according to the type of infection you have.
Common symptoms include:
- fever
- chills and sweats
- headache
- aches and pains
- generally feeling unwell
Seek medical attention as soon as possible if you:
- have a constantly high temperature lasting for more than 3 days
- see blood in your mucus when you cough
- develop rapid breathing (more than 30 breaths a minute) or chest pains
- become confused or drowsy
- feel shortness of breath or have other breathing difficulties.
You should also contact your health provider as soon as possible if your child is:
- under 3 months old and has a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or above
- between 3 and 6 months old and has a temperature of 39 degrees Celsius or above
- over 2 years of age and has symptoms persisting for more than 3 days.
If you have any risk factors that make you more vulnerable to pneumococcal infection you should also contact your health provider or GP.
How are pneumococcal infections transmitted?
Pneumococcal infections spread in similar ways to colds and the flu. Coughs and sneezes release droplets of fluid containing the bacteria into the air, which others breathe in. The bacteria can also be spread indirectly, for example by touching door handles or other objects contaminated with the fluid and then touching your nose or mouth.
What is the transmission seasonality?
Outbreaks of pneumococcal infections can sometimes occur in environments where there are many people who have poorly functioning immune systems, such as in children’s nurseries, care homes for the elderly and homeless shelters.
What are the infected areas in the world?
Pneumococcal infections such as pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infection are a major cause of disease worldwide. They are responsible for up to 20 percent of deaths in childhood, mainly in developing countries.
What is a pneumococcal vaccine certificate?
A pneumococcal vaccine certificate shows you have been vaccinated against pneumococcal infections.
Are pneumococcal infections curable?
Prompt treatment with antibiotics, such as penicillin, is usually effective. However, in recent years, treatment has become more challenging with the emergence of strains resistant to antibiotics, particularly penicillin.
In this case, a longer hospital stay, together with expensive alternative therapy, may be needed.
How can you prevent pneumococcal infections?
Vaccination is generally the safest and most effective way of protecting yourself against pneumococcal disease.
You can also lower your chances of contracting pneumococcal infections by practicing good hygiene.
Do:
- wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and water, especially before handling food and after touching your nose and mouth
- catch your coughs and sneezes in a tissue, and throw it away immediately before washing your hands.
Don’t:
- share cups or kitchen utensils with others.
Who should get the pneumococcal vaccine?
The CDC recommends the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine for the following groups of people:
- Children younger than 2,
- Adults who are 65 years old or above,
- Those between the ages of 2 and 64 years who have certain medical conditions.
The CDC recommends the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine for the following groups of people:
- Adults who are 65 years old or above,
- Those between the ages of 2 and 64 years who have certain medical conditions,
- Adults between 19 and 64 years who smoke cigarettes.
Do consult your GP, health provider or travel health professional to find out which vaccine is suitable for you.
Who should not get the pneumococcal vaccine?
The CDC does not recommend the administration of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine to the following groups of people:
- Those who have had a serious allergic reaction to the vaccine or previous versions of the vaccine
- Those who are allergic to any component of the vaccine
- Those who have had serious allergic reaction to any vaccine containing diphtheria toxoid (DTaP for example)
- Those who have serious illnesses or are not feeling well
The CDC does not recommend the administration of the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine to the following groups of people:
- Children younger than the age of 2
- Those who have had a serious allergic reaction to the vaccine previously
- Those who are allergic to any component of the vaccine
- Those who have serious illnesses or are not feeling well
- Those who are pregnant
If you are pregnant or mildly unwell, speak to your health professional about whether you can receive the vaccine. It is recommended that women who require the vaccine get it before becoming pregnant.
What is the minimum age requirement for the pneumococcal vaccine?
Immunisation can begin when infants are 2 months of age.
What is the effectiveness of the pneumococcal vaccine?
The pneumococcal vaccine is 50-85% effective at protecting against pneumococcal infections.
What are the side effects of the pneumococcal vaccine?
The side effects of the vaccine vary according to the age of the recipient.
The pneumococcal vaccination for children is entirely safe, although around one child in 10 will have some redness and swelling at the site of the injection, and symptoms of a mild fever. However, these side effects will pass quickly.
In babies, mild side effects include:
- reduced appetite
- slightly raised temperature
- irritability
- sleepiness
- problems sleeping
- redness, hardness or swelling at the site of the injection
Serious side effects are rare and include:
- high temperature, sometimes leading to convulsions or fits (febrile seizures)
- itchy skin rash
The side effects in adults and older children include:
- soreness or hardness at the site of the injection for up to 3 days
- slightly raised temperature
Call your health provider if you notice any unusual symptoms in your baby or yourself after being vaccinated.
How many jabs are needed?
As part of the National Immunisation Schedule, babies receive the pneumococcal vaccine as three separate injections, at 3 months, 5 months and 12 months.
Those over 65 require only a single pneumococcal jab, which protects for life.
If you have a long-term health condition you may require a single dose, or a dose every 5 years, depending on your underlying health problem.
Where do outbreaks of pneumococcal infection commonly occur?
Outbreaks of pneumococcal infections can sometimes occur where there are many people with poorly functioning immune systems – for example, nurseries, care homes and homeless shelters are vulnerable areas.
