What Is The Pneumonia Shot
The pneumonia shot is a vaccine that keeps you from getting pneumonia. There are two types of vaccines. The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is primarily for children under age two, though it can be given to older ages, as well. The pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine is for adults over age 65.
The pneumonia vaccine for older adults is one dose. Unlike the flu vaccine, you dont get it every year.
The vaccine teaches your body to make proteins that will destroy the pneumonia bacteria. These proteins are called antibodies and they will protect you and keep you from getting infected. The pneumonia vaccines dont have live bacteria or viruses in them, so you wont get pneumonia from the vaccine.
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You should have the pneumonia vaccine if you:
- Are over age 65
- Have a long-term health problem
- Asthma
Vaccines dont prevent all pneumonia, but people who get the shot dont get as sick as those who dont have it. Benefits of the vaccine include:
- Milder infections
- Ringing in your ears
- Sweating
If you know you dont like needles or feel worried before getting a vaccine, you can try to look away while you have the shot. You can also try a relaxation technique like deep breathing or visualization to help you feel calm.
Older people are more likely to have long-term health problems that can make getting an infection dangerous. The pneumonia shot is recommended for most people.
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Expected Clinical Course And Follow
Clinical improvement should be evident within 48 h of starting antibiotic therapy with bacterial pneumonia. However, improvement may be slower with viral pneumonia. If the patient does not show clinical improvement or worsens within the expected time frame, a chest radiograph or ultrasound should be repeated to look for evidence of a complication . Other reasons for lack of clinical resolution may include a foreign body aspiration, reactive airways disease with atelectasis, a congenital pulmonary anomaly, tuberculosis or unrecognized immunodeficiency with an opportunistic infection.
Radiographic resolution in most uncomplicated pneumonia cases may take up to four to six weeks. Repeat radiographs when children are otherwise well are not indicated to document improvement.
Response From Susan Russell Neary Phd Arnp
Pneumococcal pneumonia, caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae accounts for at least two thirds of all cases of community-acquired pneumonia in the United States and is responsible for more deaths than any other vaccine-preventable disease. There are more than 500,000 cases of pneumococcal pneumonia each year. Elders, particularly the chronically ill and nursing home population, are susceptible to complications of pneumonia, including bacteremia . The mortality and morbidity rates for minorities, particularly African Americans, is even higher, with bacteremia rates 3 to 5 times higher than those in whites. Despite the increased risk for both complications and mortality in elders, pneumococcal vaccine is underused and rates of immunization lag behind those for influenza vaccine.
Current CDC recommendations include immunizations for everyone 65 years or older, as well as for younger persons, ages 2 to 64 years, who reside in long-term care facilities. Chronically ill adults, including those with diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, HIV, renal failure, and other conditions affecting immunocompetence, are at particular risk and should be vaccinated.
Nursing home patients should be vaccinated at admission to the facility, even if prior vaccination status is unknown. Providers should rely on verbal report of vaccination status and should not withhold vaccine in the absence of an immunization record.
Tables
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How Does The Pneumonia Vaccine Work
There are currently two vaccines administered in the United States:
Who Should Not Get Pneumovax 23 Or Prevnar 13
Children younger than 2 years of age should not get Pneumovax 23. In addition, while there is no evidence that Pneumovax 23 is harmful to pregnant women or their babies, as a precaution, women who need Pneumovax 23 should get it before becoming pregnant, if possible.
Before you get either Prevnar 13 or Pneumovax 23, tell your health provider if you have had any life-threatening allergic reaction to or have a severe allergy to pneumococcal vaccines or any vaccine containing diphtheria toxoid . Also, tell your health provider if you are not feeling well. If you have a minor illness like a cold, you can probably still get vaccinated, but if you have a more serious illness, you should probably wait until you recover.
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Medical Conditions Resulting In High Risk Of Ipd
Table 1: Medical Conditions Resulting in High risk of IPD
Non-immunocompromising conditions
IPD is more common in the winter and spring in temperate climates.
Spectrum of clinical illness
Although asymptomatic upper respiratory tract colonization is common, infection with S. pneumoniae may result in severe disease. IPD is a severe form of infection that occurs when S. pneumoniae invades normally sterile sites, such as the bloodstream or central nervous system. Bacteremia and meningitis are the most common manifestations of IPD in children 2 years of age and younger. Bacteremic pneumococcal pneumonia is the most common presentation among adults and is a common complication following influenza. The case fatality rate of bacteremic pneumococcal pneumonia is 5% to 7% and is higher among elderly persons. Bacterial spread within the respiratory tract may result in AOM, sinusitis or recurrent bronchitis.
Disease distribution
Worldwide, pneumococcal disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. The World Health Organization estimates that almost 500,000 deaths among children aged less than 5 years are attributable to pneumococcal disease each year. In Canada, IPD is most common among the very young and adults over 65 years of age.
How Did Cdc Make The Decision To Recommend Pcv13 For Adults
CDC sets the adult immunization schedule based on recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices . ACIP used the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach or Evidence to Recommendations framework to evaluate evidence for PCV13 vaccination recommendations:
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Influenza And Pneumococcal Vaccination In Cancer Patients
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The incidence and severity of influenza and pneumococcal infections inthe general population can be reduced by immunization. It is estimated that 5%to 15% of the adult population is affected by influenza each year.Immunosuppression resulting from cancer and chemotherapy places oncologypatients at higher risk for contracting influenza and pneumococcal infections,as well as increasing the severity of infection.
In oncology patients, the mortality rate in influenza can be as great as5% to 10%. Pneumococcal infections are an important cause of infections incancer patients, including pneumonia and sepsis, especially in patients who areasplenic. However, due to cancer treatments, oncology patients may not receivethe same immunologic benefit from vaccination as other patients. Patients whoare highly immunocompromised are at the highest risk for these infections andtheir complications.
Influenza vaccine
Influenza vaccination is effective in approximately 70% to 90% of thegeneral population in preventing infection with the viral strains included forthat year. Because of the seasonality of influenza infections, vaccinations areoffered between early October and March, using the yearly specific formulation.In general, it takes at least two weeks for antibody production. Unfortunately,cancer patients may not be able to mount an adequate immune response.
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Lisa K. Lohr |
People With Health Problems And The Pneumococcal Vaccine
The PPV vaccine is available on the NHS for children and adults aged from 2 to 64 years old who are at a higher risk of developing a pneumococcal infection than the general population.
This is generally the same people who are eligible for annual flu vaccination.
You’re considered to be at a higher risk of a pneumococcal infection if you have:
- a suppressed immune system caused by a health condition, such as HIV
- a suppressed immune system caused by medicines, such as chemotherapy or steroid tablets
- a cochlear implant Action on Hearing Loss has more information about cochlear implants
- had a leak of cerebrospinal fluid this could be the result of an accident or surgery
Adults and children who are severely immunocompromised usually have a single dose of PCV followed by PPV.
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What Are The Most Common Side Effects Of Pneumovax 23 And Prevnar 13
Side effects with pneumococcal vaccines are usually mild and go away on their own within a few days.
Common side effects of Prevnar 13 include:
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Injection site pain
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Fever
Common side effects of Pneumovax 23 include:
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Injection site pain
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Fever
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Muscle aches
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Fatigue
Be sure to talk with your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms for a prolonged period of time.
Indication For Pneumovax 23
PNEUMOVAX®23 is a vaccine indicated for active immunization for the prevention of pneumococcal disease caused by the 23 serotypes contained in the vaccine .
PNEUMOVAX 23 is approved for use in persons 50 years of age or older and persons aged 2 years who are at increased risk for pneumococcal disease.
PNEUMOVAX 23 will not prevent disease caused by capsular types of pneumococcus other than those contained in the vaccine.
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Current Vaccine Recommendations In Rheumatology
Given the above increase in infection-related risks in RA, there is great interest in prevention of infection. A number of vaccines are available to the rheumatologist, and several are of high importance for RA patients in the United States. It is important for rheumatologist to understand and be aware of which vaccines are live and what potential contraindications exist for giving vaccines to an immunosuppressed patient population. Both the American College of Rheumatology and the European Union League against Rheumatism have issued recommendations about appropriate use of vaccines for RA patients. The 2012 ACR vaccine recommendations state that the optimal time for administering vaccines is prior to starting a non-biologic or biologic DMARD . In general, this helps optimize host vaccine responses, and, in the case of live vaccines like herpes zoster vaccine, limits the theoretical risk of local or disseminated infection in an immunosuppressed patients taking a biologic . More detailed information about each of the vaccinations most relevant for adult RA patients in the U.S. are described in this review, with a particular focus on the extent to which biologics and non-biologic DMARDs could affect vaccine effectiveness.
When To See A Doctor
A person who is over 65 years of age should talk to their doctor about which pneumonia vaccine may be best for them. The doctor can help determine whether they should get the vaccination, which vaccination to get, and when to get it.
Parents and caregivers of young children should talk to a pediatrician about the schedule for the pneumonia vaccination. The pediatrician can also address any questions or concerns about the safety and effectiveness of the vaccination.
A person does not need to see a doctor for mild reactions to the vaccine, such as tenderness at the injection site, fever, or fatigue.
However, if a person experiences any life threatening side effects, they should seek emergency help immediately.
Signs and symptoms of allergic reactions in children may include:
- respiratory distress, such as wheezing
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Can I Administer Ppsv23 And Pcv13 At The Same Office Visit
No, never give PPSV23 and PCV13 together. The recommended order for the two vaccines, if possible, is to give PCV13 first followed by PPSV23 later. The interval between administrations depends on the age of the patient, the indication for giving it, and which vaccine you administer first. See Pneumococcal Vaccine Timing for Adults pdf icon for additional details.
When To Get The Vaccine
Thereâs no such thing as pneumonia season, like flu season. If you and your doctor decide that you need to have a pneumonia vaccine, you can get it done at any time of the year. If itâs flu season, you can even get a pneumonia vaccine at the same time that you get a flu vaccine, as long as you receive each shot in a different arm.
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If I Inadvertently Administer Ppsv23 Less Than 8 Weeks After Pcv13 Do I Need To Repeat The Dose Of Either Vaccine
No, you do not need to repeat any doses. PPSV23 that follows PCV13 at less than 8 weeks may increase risk for localized reaction at the injection site, but remains a valid vaccination and you should not repeat it. The PCV13 dose also remains valid and you should not repeat it either. Never administer PPSV23 and PCV13 during the same visit.
Who Should Not Get The Vaccine
People should not get the vaccine if they have had a life threatening allergic reaction to a previous dose.
Additionally, a person should not undergo vaccination if they have had an allergic reaction to medication containing diphtheria toxoid or an earlier form of the pneumonia vaccination .
Lastly, people who are sick or have allergic reactions to any of the ingredients of the vaccine should talk to a doctor before getting the shot.
A pneumonia shot will not reduce pneumonia. However, it helps prevent invasive pneumococcal diseases, such as meningitis, endocarditis, empyema, and bacteremia, which is when bacteria enter the bloodstream.
Noninvasive pneumococcal disease includes sinusitis.
There are two types of pneumonia shots available. Which type a person gets depends on their age, whether or not they smoke, and the presence of any underlying medical conditions.
The two types are:
- Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine : Healthcare providers recommend this vaccine for young children, people with certain underlying conditions, and some people over the age of 65 years.
- Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine : Healthcare providers recommend this vaccine for anyone over 65 years of age, people with certain underlying conditions, and people who smoke.
According to the
- roughly 8 in 10 babies from invasive pneumococcal disease
- 45 in 100 adults 65 years or older against pneumococcal pneumonia
- 75 in 100 adults 65 years or older against invasive pneumococcal disease
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What You Should Know About Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an infection in one or both lungs that typically stems from several kinds of germs, most often bacteria and viruses.
Symptoms can develop gradually or suddenly. They include:
- Fever.
- Chest pain.
- Loss of appetite.
Early detection is often challenging because many people with these symptoms assume they have a cold or the flu.
Its important to also note that the vaccine helps protect against some but not all bacterial pneumonia.
There are dozens of different types of bacterial pneumonia, says Dr. Suri. The vaccine will certainly reduce your risk of the most common bacterial pneumonia.
Why No Shot For Pneumonia After Age 70
Dear Dr. Donohue Why does the medical profession tell us that folks over 70 do not need a pneumonia shot in the fall when they get their flu shots? Why do some say you should get the shot every year, while others say every other year, and some say every five years? Please clear up. S.M.
Answer The pneumonia shot is a vaccine for one kind of pneumonia, pneumococcal pneumonia, the kind caused by the bacterium pneumococcus . It’s a very serious kind of pneumonia, one that often proves lethal for the elderly.
The adult vaccine in use affords protection against 23 of more than 90 different strains. The name of the vaccine is Pneumovax 23. A single dose of the vaccine given to people age 65 and older is all the vaccine needed at the present time. However, if a person received the vaccine at an age younger than 65, that person does need a booster shot five years after the first shot was given.
Dear Dr. Donohue I recently read that mad cow disease and Alzheimer’s disease are a lot alike. Is there any truth to that? M.S.
Answer Mad cow disease is quite rare in North America. It’s not related to Alzheimer’s disease. It’s caused by an unusual germ called a prion a protein, a newly discovered life form. It’s an infectious disease. When humans are infected, their mental facilities fall apart somewhat rapidly.
Write Dr. Donohue at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, Fla. 32853-6475.
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Intervals Between Pcv13 And Ppsv23 Vaccines: Recommendations Of The Advisory Committee On Immunization Practices
Please note: Anerratum has been published for this article. To view the erratum, please click here.
Miwako Kobayashi, MD1,2 Nancy M Bennett, MD3,4 Ryan Gierke, MPH1 Olivia Almendares, MSPH1 Matthew R Moore, MD1 Cynthia G. Whitney, MD1 Tamara Pilishvili, MPH1
Two pneumococcal vaccines are currently licensed for use in the United States: the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine and the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine . The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices currently recommends that a dose of PCV13 be followed by a dose of PPSV23 in all adults aged 65 years who have not previously received pneumococcal vaccine and in persons aged 2 years who are at high risk for pneumococcal disease because of underlying medical conditions . The recommended intervals between PCV13 and PPSV23 given in series differ by age and risk group and the order in which the two vaccines are given .
On June 25, 2015, ACIP changed the recommended interval between PCV13 followed by PPSV23 from 612 months to 1 year for immunocompetent adults aged 65 years. Recommended intervals for all other age and risk groups remain unchanged. This report outlines the rationale for this change and summarizes the evidence considered by ACIP to make this recommendation.