Pneumococcal
What is it?
Pneumococcal disease is an infection caused by pneumococcus bacteria. These bacteria live in the nose and throats of people of all ages. Pneumococcus commonly infect the middle ear and the sinuses. While less common, these bacteria can also infect the lungs (pneumococcal pneumonia), central nervous system (pneumococcal meningitis), and blood stream (bacteremia or sepsis). These types of infections are more serious. Symptoms depend on the area of the body that is infected. Thankfully, there’s a vaccine to protect against pneumococcal disease.
Why is the vaccine important?
Pneumococcal infections are the most common invasive bacterial infections in children in the U.S. The disease can affect anyone, but children under age 2 are among the most at risk. Others at high risk include adults over age 65. Often, pneumococcal infections are mild. Other times, the disease can result in hearing loss, brain damage, or even become fatal. There is no way to determine how severe an infection will be.
Years ago, pneumococcal infections were treated with antibiotics. Over time, the disease has become resistant to antibiotic treatment. This means that the bacteria has changed so that antibiotics will no longer treat it. Because of antibiotic resistance and the risk for severe infection, it is important to follow the CDC's routine immunization recommendations for pneumococcal vaccines.
Progress
Pneumococcal disease rates have declined sharply since vaccines were introduced in the early 2000s. In fact, from 1998 through 2021, the number of cases dropped 95%. Before pneumococcal vaccines, there were about 700 cases of meningitis (brain infection), 17,000 cases of blood stream infection, and 200 deaths attributed to pneumococcal disease each year. Today, there are two kinds of pneumococcal vaccines that prevent multiple strains of the disease.
Vaccine Recommendations
Vaccines protect against up to 23 strains of pneumococcal bacteria. These strains cause the most severe infection. Available vaccines include PCV15, PCV20, PCV21 and PPSV23. Age and disease risk factors determine which vaccine is given. Children should receive either PCV15 or PCV20. They should receive 4 doses starting at age 2 months, when they are at greatest risk for pneumococcal disease. Doses are recommended as follows: 1 dose each at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and 12 – 15 months. PPSV23 vaccine may be given to children with certain health conditions. PCV21 is not recommended for children.
Side Effects
Vaccines, like any medicine, can cause side effects (also known as "adverse reactions"). Most side effects are mild and go away within a few days. Common side effects include fever, headache, or body aches. They can also include redness where a shot was given and tiredness. Side effects are normal. They can even be a good sign that the immune system is working to build antibodies that will fight off future infections!
For pneumococcal vaccines, side effects may also include increased risk of seizure caused by fever in young children if they are given at the same time as an inactivated influenza vaccine. Ask your child’s healthcare provider for more information on this risk.
Remember, vaccines are continuously studied. They are also closely monitored for safety. Research continues to show that vaccines are safe, and the benefits outweigh the risks. The risk of a severe allergic reaction to a vaccine is rare (about 1 in 1 million). The choice not to vaccinate is ultimately more risky. Not vaccinating may lead to catching a potentially deadly disease.
Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about vaccine side effects. In the event of a serious allergic reaction, call 9-1-1.
