What Can Streptococcus Pneumoniae Cause?
Streptococcus pneumoniae, or pneumococcus, can cause infections of the ears or sinuses. These bacteria can also cause dangerous diseases, such as pneumococcal pneumonia, meningitis or bacteremia (bacterial infection of the blood). One in 20 people who get pneumococcal pneumonia eventually die from it. Two in 10 people who get bacteremia from this type of bacteria will die, as well as 3 in 10 who get related meningitis. Teens and adults with medical conditions that make it more difficult to fight off these diseases are at particular risk for death, which is why it is important to get vaccinated if it is recommended by your health care provider.What Does the Pneumococcal Vaccine Do?
The pneumococcal vaccine protects against 23 kinds of Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria.Who Is the Pneumococcal Vaccine For?
A pneumococcal vaccine is most commonly used in all young children under the age of 2, although it is slightly different than the PPV23 given to teens, which is not effective in younger kids. The PPV23 vaccine is recommended for teens that have sickle cell disease, chronic heart or lung disease, diabetes, alcoholism, leaks of cerebrospinal fluid, HIV/AIDS, or any other disease that causes the immune system to be compromised.Brand Names for the Pneumococcal Vaccine
In the United States, there are two brands available: Pneumovax and Pnu-Immune. Both are 23-valent polysaccharide vaccines, meaning they protect against all 23 different types of pneumococcal bacteria.How Is the Pneumococcal Vaccine Given?
It is given as a single shot with additional booster shots given depending upon the teen's condition.Common Side Effects of the Pneumococcal Vaccine
Redness or pain at the injection site, fever, or muscle ache are all possible side effects.Who Should Not Get the Pneumococcal Vaccine
Anyone who has had a serious allergic reaction to the vaccine or any of its components should avoid it. A serious allergic reaction includes difficulty breathing, throat swelling, hives, weakness, dizziness or a rapid heartbeat.Sources:
Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine: What You Need To Know. Centers for Disease Control. November 29, 2008. http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis/downloads/vis-ppv.pdf
Pneumococcal Vaccination. Centers for Disease Control. November 29, 2008. http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/pneumo/#disease
Possible Side-effects from Vaccines. Centers for Disease Control. November 29, 2008. http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vac-gen/side-effects.htm
Standing Orders for Administering Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine for Children and Teens. Immunization Action Coalition. November 29, 2008. http://immunize.org/catg.d/p3075a.pdf
Vaccine Information: Pneumococcal Disease. National Network for Immunization Information. November 29, 2008. http://www.immunizationinfo.org/VaccineInfo/vaccine_detail.cfv?id=9
