From the Guidelines
Pneumococcal disease, caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, is a major cause of illness and death, particularly among older adults and those with weakened immune systems, and can lead to serious infections including pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections.
Definition and Impact
Pneumococcal disease is a significant health concern, with an estimated 43,500 cases and 5,000 deaths among persons of all ages in 2009 1. It is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae, which can lead to invasive disease, including bacteremia, meningitis, or infection of other normally sterile sites 1.
Prevention and Vaccination
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends the use of pneumococcal vaccines, including the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) and the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13), to prevent invasive pneumococcal disease among adults 1. The current recommendation includes PCV15 (Vaxneuvance) or PCV20 (Prevnar 20) for most adults, with PCV15 followed by PPSV23 (Pneumovax 23) at least one year later, and a shortened interval of 8 weeks for immunocompromised patients.
Risk Factors and Vulnerable Populations
Pneumococcal disease is particularly dangerous for older adults and those with weakened immune systems, chronic heart or lung disease, diabetes, or those who smoke 1. These individuals are at increased risk of serious pneumococcal infection and should be prioritized for vaccination.
Vaccine Mechanism and Side Effects
The pneumococcal vaccines work by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies against the bacterial capsular polysaccharides, providing protection against the most common and virulent strains of pneumococcus 1. Side effects are generally mild and may include soreness at the injection site, fatigue, muscle pain, and low-grade fever, typically resolving within a few days.
From the Research
Definition of Pneumococcal Disease
Pneumococcal disease, caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae, is a serious health problem that can be prevented with pneumococcal vaccines 2. It is one of the most common and severe vaccine-preventable diseases, exhibiting a high mortality rate among people of all ages worldwide 3.
Risk Factors
Certain individuals are at a higher risk of developing pneumococcal disease, including:
- Children under 2 years old 4, 5
- Adults 65 years and older 6, 2, 5
- Individuals with chronic diseases, such as heart or lung disease 2
- Immunocompromised individuals, including those with HIV or taking immunosuppressive therapy 4, 2
- Children with functional or anatomic asplenia, including those with sickle cell disease 4
Prevention and Vaccination
Pneumococcal vaccines are available to prevent pneumococcal disease, including:
- Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV), which are recommended for children at risk of pneumococcal pneumonia 2
- 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine, which is recommended for adults at risk of pneumococcal pneumonia, including those over 65 years old 2
- Immunization programs with PCV have decreased pneumococcal disease incidence in several countries 3
Key Points
- Pneumococcal disease is a serious health problem that can be prevented with pneumococcal vaccines 2
- Certain individuals are at a higher risk of developing pneumococcal disease, including children under 2 years old and adults 65 years and older 6, 4, 2, 5
- Pneumococcal vaccines are available to prevent pneumococcal disease, including PCV and 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine 2