Pneumococcal Vaccine for Seniors

A Shot at Prevention

As you age your immune system naturally weakens leaving you more susceptible to infection, including pneumococcal disease, an infection caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. This infection can cause severe health issues, including pneumonia, meningitis and bloodstream infections, as well as less serious illnesses.

Luckily, advances in medicine have led to the development of the pneumococcal vaccine, commonly called the pneumonia shot. Not only does pneumococcal vaccination improve the quality of life for vaccinated individuals it also helps to alleviate the burden on healthcare systems. The introduction of the pneumococcal vaccine into routine vaccination programs for seniors has shown a significant reduction in hospital admission rates for pneumococcal disease and all-cause pneumonia among individuals who have been vaccinated.

Types of Pneumococcal Vaccines

There are multiple pneumococcal vaccines available. They are classified as either conjugate or polysaccharide vaccines. Older vaccines are the conjugate, PCV13, and the polysaccharide, PPSV23. However, two newer versions of conjugate vaccines, PCV20 and PCV15, have replaced older vaccines. These newer vaccines protect against multiple strains of the infection, providing seniors with an extra level of protection that was not previously available. These particular vaccines have been developed to address the specific needs of seniors, who are at an increased risk of pneumococcal disease and its associated complications.

The pneumonia vaccine for seniors is one dose, and unlike the flu vaccine, you don’t get it yearly. The pneumococcal vaccine allows your body to make proteins, called antibodies, that destroy the pneumonia bacteria, which helps to keep you from getting infected. The pneumococcal vaccine does not contain live bacteria, so you won’t get pneumonia from the vaccine.

What is PCV15?

PCV15 is a conjugate vaccine designed to protect against 15 strains of bacteria that cause pneumococcal infections. It is generally recommended for children under 5 and children between the ages of 5 and 18 with certain medical conditions. PCV15 may be recommended for individuals over 65 or those 19-64 with certain risk factors, such as asthma, cancer, HIV, Sickle cell disease, kidney disease or a cochlear implant. If PCV15 is administered, your doctor may recommend a dose of PPSV23 at a later time.

What is PCV20?

Prevnar 20, also known as PCV20, is a conjugate vaccine designed to protect against 20 strains of bacteria that cause pneumococcal infections. It is recommended for people aged 65 and older, as well as for adults aged 19 to 64 with certain medical conditions or risk factors, due to its ability to elicit a stronger immune reaction.

What is Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is a lung infection that can cause an array of signs and symptoms, including:

• Cough (with or without mucus).
• Fever.
• Chills.
• Shortness of breath.
• Chest pain.
• Headache.
• Muscle aches.
• Fatigue.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Diarrhea.

For seniors, pneumonia can be serious, and even life-threatening in some cases, especially if you have a chronic health condition, such as asthma or diabetes. If you have another serious health condition, such as meningitis or a blood infection, you might have a lower temperature or feel cold instead of a fever, and may also be weak and confused.

Benefits of the Pneumonia Vaccine for Seniors

While the pneumococcal vaccine doesn’t prevent all cases of pneumonia, there are benefits of receiving the vaccine, including:

• Milder infection.
• Shorter infection time.
• Fewer complications.

Side Effects of the Pneumococcal Vaccine

Common side effects of the pneumococcal vaccine include:

• Fever.
• Swelling, soreness and redness around the injection site.

Rarely, some people have a serious allergic reaction to the pneumococcal vaccine, called anaphylaxis. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include:

• Difficulty breathing.
• Swelling of your throat.
• Itchiness of your throat.
• Feeling faint.
• Wheezing.
• Anxiety.
• Confusion.
• Increased heart rate.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Hives.
• Stomach pain.
• Collapsing.
• Losing consciousness.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s a medical emergency. Call 911 and get medical attention immediately.

When Should You Not Get the Pneumonia Shot

While the pneumococcal vaccine is generally safe, there are times when you should not get the vaccine. If you’re allergic to any of the ingredients in the vaccine, or if you’ve had a bad reaction to a vaccine in the past, speak to your doctor before getting the vaccine. If you have a fever, or if you feel very sick, it’s best to wait to get the pneumococcal vaccine until you’re feeling better.

Empowering Elderly Health

The development of the pneumococcal vaccine provides a significant advancement in preventative healthcare for seniors. Pneumococcal vaccines, including PCV15 and Prevnar 20, protect against various strains of bacteria that can cause serious illnesses such as pneumonia, meningitis, and blood infections. The impact of routine vaccinations not only provides seniors protection but also contributes to the overall reduction of hospital admissions for pneumococcal-related conditions. If you’re over the age of 65, it’s crucial to speak to your healthcare provider to learn about the benefits of the pneumonia vaccine for seniors to help protect yourself against potentially devastating infections.