Pneumococcal Vaccination in Adults
Posted: Monday, August 23, 2010
by Nobel Specialists
Nobel Specialists
What is Pneumococcal Disease?
Pneumococcal disease is caused a bacteria known as Streptococcus pneumoniae. It is an important cause of vaccine-preventable illness and death in developed countries. It is estimated that almost one million children die of pneumococcal disease every year and elderly people also experience relatively high rates of invasive pneumococcal disease. There is also the problem of growing resistance of Streptococcus pneumonia to antibiotics.
Anyone of us can contract this disease, but some people are at higher risk than others. These include:
- Individuals who are 65 years old
- Children
- Individuals with compromised immune system
- Individuals with certain chronic diseases
- Smokers
- Lungs (pneumonia)
- Blood (bacteremia)
- Covering of brain (meningitis)
Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (approved for use in children > 2 years old and adults) protects you against 23 types of pneumococcal bacteria, including those that can lead to serious illness, hospitalization and death.
Who should get the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine?
- People who are 65 years old and above
- People who are smokers
- People who have problems with their:
- lungs
- heart
- liver
- kidneys
- People with health problems:
- diabetes
- alcoholism
- poor immunity
- HIV/ AIDS
- on medications that lower body's resistance to infection
The shot is given intramuscular. It is safe with minimal side effects. Sometimes, you can get a little swelling and soreness at the vaccination site. Less than 1% develops fever or bodyache.
Is the vaccine effective?
Most healthy adults develop protection within 2-3 weeks of vaccination. Certain groups may not respond as well.
When can I get the vaccination?
You can get the shot at any time of the year from the clinic.
Is there any contraindication to this vaccination?
Yes, it is contraindicated in anyone who has had a previous life-threatening allergic reaction to this vaccine.
How many times do I have to get the vaccination?
Most adults require only one shot and it lasts a lifetime. Some individuals need a booster shot after 5 years period.
Article By: Dr Jim Teo Yeow Kwan
Respiratory Physician & Intensivist, Nobel Chest & Internal Medicine Centre
www.nobel-chest.com
info@nobelspecialists.com
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