Vaccination Services

Pneumococcal Vaccination

Pneumococcal infection represents a wide range of diseases caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae (or more commonly referred as pneumococcus). While pneumococcus is a common cause of mild illnesses such as sinus or middle ear infections, it may also cause severe or even life-threatening invasive pneumococcal diseases (IPD) such as bacteremic pneumonia, sepsis, and meningitis. The outcomes for IPD are usually more severe among young children and elderly persons.

Heal Medical offers a variety of pneumonia vaccines, effectively preventing pneumococcal infections, including Prevenar 20 (PCV20), Prevenar 13 (PCV13), PNEUMOVAX 23 (23vPPV)

Pneumococcus can be transmitted through respiratory droplets and is often found in the human nasal cavity. While pneumococcal infections are common in young children, elderly individuals face a higher risk of severe illness and death. This bacterium can lead to various diseases, including otitis media and pneumonia. Additionally, it can also cause severe and sometimes fatal invasive pneumococcal diseases such as meningitis and septicemia.

Symptoms of the diseases depend on the site of infection:

Otitis Media: Symptoms may include fever, ear pain, and ear discharge, with repeated infections potentially leading to hearing impairment.
Pneumonia: Symptoms may include fever, shortness of breath, chills, and productive cough, with severe cases possibly being fatal.
Meningitis: Symptoms may include fever, neck stiffness, and confusion, potentially causing long-term hearing impairment and even death.
Septicemia and Bacteremia: Symptoms may include joint pain and chills, with the possibility of simultaneous infections in other parts of the body, such as the lungs and meninges.

One of the best methods for preventing pneumococcal infections is vaccination.

Vaccine	Prevenar 20 (PCV20)	Prevenar 13 (PCV13)	PNEUMOVAX 23 (PPVS23)
Manufracturer	Pfizer	Pfizer	MSD
Number of serotypes	20 (1、3、4、5、6A、6B、7F、8、9V、10A、11A、12F，14、15B、18C、19A、19F、22F、23F、33F)	13 (1、3、4、5、6A、6B、7F、9V、14、18C、19A、19F、23F）	23 (1、2、3、4、5、6B、7F、8、9N、9V、10A、11A、12F、14、15B、17F、18C、19F、19A、20、22F、23F、33F)
Technologe	Conjugate vaccine	Conjugate vaccine	Polysaccharide vaccine
Appropriate	18 years or above	6 months or above	2 years or above
Protection	Antibodies remain effective for the long term and do not require repeat vaccinations.	Antibodies begin to decline after approximately 10 years	Antibodies typically last for about 4-7 years
Year introduced	2021	2000	1986

*^{The above information is for reference only. Consult our medical professional for specific recommendations.}

Vaccination Services