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.
- Septicaemia and Bacteraemia: 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 | Vaxneuvance 15 (PCV15) | Prevenar 20 (PCV20) | Prevenar 13 (PCV13) | PNEUMOVAX 23 (PPVS23) |
| Manufacturer | MSD | Pfizer | Pfizer | MSD |
| Number of serotypes | 15 (1、3、4、5、6A、6B、7F、9V、14、18C、19A、19F、22F、23F、33F) | 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) |
| Technology | Conjugate vaccine | Conjugate vaccine | Conjugate vaccine | Polysaccharide vaccine |
| Appropriate | 6 months or above | 18 years or above adult | 6 months or above | 2 years or above |
| Protection | Antibodies typically last for 10 years at least (High-risk individuals are recommended to vaccinate PPSV23 after one year) | Antibodies remain effective for the long term and do not require repeat vaccinations | Antibodies begin to decline after approximately 10 years (High-risk individuals are recommended to vaccinate PPSV23 after one year) | Antibodies typically last for about 4-7 years (High-risk individuals are recommended to vaccinate PCV13/15/20 after one year) |
| Year introduced | 2021 | 2021 | 2010 | 1983 |
*The above information is for reference only. Consult our medical professional for specific recommendations.
Vaccination Services
Pneumococcal Vaccination
The price includes the vaccine price, doctor's consultation fee, and injection fee.
Details
VAXNEUVANCE 15 (PCV15)
- Price $1,750
- Eligible groups for VSS1 $950
Prevenar 20 (PCV20)
- Price $1,950
Prevenar 13 (PCV13)
- Price $1,720
- Eligible groups for VSS1 $920
PNEUMOVAX 23 (PPSV23)
- Price $810
- Eligible groups for VSS1 $410
1Detials for eligible groups to receive free or subsidised: https://www.chp.gov.hk/tc/features/103165.html#10003