The pneumonia vaccine is one of the important vaccines to be given to infants, children, and adults. This is because someone who has not received the vaccine will be susceptible to various diseases that can cause dangerous complications, even death.
Pneumonia vaccine is a vaccine given to protect the body from pneumonia and other infectious diseases caused by pneumonia Streptococcus pneumoniae or pneumococcal bacteria.
Giving this vaccine serves to stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies or immune system that can fight disease caused by pneumococcal bacterial infection.
In addition to pneumonia, the pneumonia vaccine can also protect the body from meningitis and other serious infections, such as bacteremia and sepsis. These diseases can cause dangerous complications, ranging from respiratory failure, paralysis, brain damage, and even death.
Who Should Receive the Pneumonia Vaccine?
The pneumonia vaccine is intended for those who have a high risk of developing pneumococcal bacteria, namely children under 5 years of age and the elderly. In addition to children and the elderly, the pneumonia vaccine also needs to be given to people who have certain diseases or medical conditions, such as:
- Weak immune system, for example due to HIV infection and chemotherapy side effects
- Birth defects (congenital abnormalities), such as congenital heart disease
- Chronic diseases, such as asthma, diabetes, and chronic kidney failure
- Blood disorders, such as thalassemia and sickle cell anemia
- History of surgery, such as cochlear implant surgery, organ transplantation, or removal of the spleen
- Smoking habit
Although it plays an important role in preventing pneumonia and various infections, pneumonia vaccine should be delayed or not given to pregnant and lactating women, people who are sick or have a fever, and people who have a history of allergies to vaccines.
Types of Pneumonia Vaccines
There are 2 types of pneumonia vaccines and the administration of the vaccine is adjusted according to age and overall health conditions. The two types of pneumonia vaccines include:
Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) or PCV13
The PCV vaccine is a type of pneumonia vaccine that is usually given to children younger than 2 years of age. This vaccine can also be given to children over 2 years of age and adults who are at risk of developing pneumococcal infection.
The PVC vaccine is able to protect children and adults from 13 types of bacteria that cause pneumonia.
Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV) or PPSV23
PPV or PPSV23 contains a polysaccharide molecule that resembles part of the cell wall of pneumococcal bacteria. PPV is a type of vaccine given to the elderly, adults, and children older than 2 years who are considered to be at high risk of developing pneumococcal infection.
The PPV pneumonia vaccine has an effectiveness of about 50–70% in preventing pneumococcal infection and is able to protect the recipient from 23 types of pneumococcal bacteria.
Other Vaccines As Pneumonia Vaccines
In addition to pneumococcal bacteria, pneumonia and meningitis can also be caused by bacterial infections Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib). Even in some developing countries, including Indonesia, this bacterium is one of the main causes of pneumonia and meningitis.
In Indonesia, the Hib vaccine (in the form of the DPT-HB-Hib combination vaccine) is classified as a pneumonia vaccine, which is included in the type of vaccine that needs to be given to infants and children.
The Indonesian Pediatrician Association (IDAI) recommends giving Hib vaccine to children in stages starting at 2 months, 3 months, 4 months, and repeated doses are given between the ages of 15-18 months.
In addition to the Hib vaccine, the Measles vaccine is also included in the vaccine to prevent pneumonia. The reason, pneumonia is one of the complications of measles.
Pneumonia can also be caused by complications of other diseases such as influenza, pertussis, and chickenpox. Therefore, other vaccines, such as influenza vaccine, DPT vaccine, and varicella vaccine can be used as pneumonia vaccines.
Pneumonia Vaccine Administration Schedule
Pneumococcal vaccination varies from person to person depending on age. In children, the pneumonia vaccine is given to children under 1 year of age with a schedule of 3 times, namely when children are 2 months old, 4 months old, and 6 months old. Repeat doses are given at 12–15 months of age.
In adults, the administration of the vaccine is divided into 2 stages. The first pneumonia vaccine given was the PCV type vaccine, while the PPV pneumonia vaccine was given with a 1 year interval after the PCV vaccine was given.
Pneumonia Vaccine Side Effects
Like vaccines in general, giving pneumonia vaccines can also cause side effects, such as low-grade fever and pain and swelling at the vaccine injection area. However, these side effects are generally only mild and usually get better on their own in about 2-3 days.
Sometimes, the pneumonia vaccine can cause side effects in the form of allergic reactions or even severe allergies (anaphylaxis). However, these serious side effects are very rare.
Therefore, it can be concluded that giving pneumonia vaccine is a safe and effective measure to prevent dangerous pneumococcal bacterial infection.
You are advised to consult a doctor if the side effects of the pneumonia vaccine do not improve for more than 2 days or if you have a severe allergic reaction, such as shortness of breath, weakness, or fainting after receiving the pneumococcal vaccine.
In Indonesia, the pneumonia vaccine is still the immunization of choice and you can get it at the nearest clinic or hospital that provides it.