Pneumococcal Vaccination
(Pneumonia Vaccination)

Health Care Reform Slideshow

Medical Revising Author: George Schiffman, MD
Medical Revising Editor: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

• What is pneumococcal vaccination?
• Who should consider pneumococcal vaccination?
• Who should not receive pneumococcal vaccine?
• How is pneumococcal vaccine administered?
• How long must a person wait to receive other vaccinations?
• What are side effects of pneumococcal vaccine?
• What if it is not clear what a person's vaccination history is?
• Vaccination of children recommended
• What about pregnancy?

What is pneumococcal vaccination?

Pneumococcal vaccination is a method of preventing a specific type of lung infection (pneumonia) that is caused by Pneumococcus bacterium. There are more than 80 different types of pneumococcus bacteria-23 of these are covered in the current vaccination. The vaccine is injected into the body to stimulate the normal immune system to produce antibodies that are directed against pneumococcus bacteria.

This method of stimulating the normal immune system to be directed against a specific microbe is called immunization. Pneumococcal vaccination is also referred to as Pneumococcal immunization.

Pneumococcal vaccination does not protect against pneumonia caused by microbes other than pneumococcus bacteria, nor does it protect against pneumococcal bacteria strains not included in the vaccine. It is reassuring do note that of the 80 different serotypes, the vast majority of infections are caused by the 23 serotypes contained in the vaccine.

Who should consider pneumococcal vaccination?

Pneumococcal vaccination should be considered by people in the following groups:

• Adults 65 years of age and older.
• Persons > 2 years of age with chronic heart or lung disorders including congestive heart failure, diabetes mellitus, chronic liver disease, alcoholism, spinal fluid leaks, cardiomyopathy, chronic bronchitis or emphysema (COPD) or emphysema.
• Persons > 2 years of age with spleen dysfunction (such as sickle cell disease) or lack of spleen function (asplenia), blood malignancy (leukemias), multiple myeloma, kidney failure, organ transplantation or immunosuppressive conditions, including HIV infection.
• Alaskan natives and certain American Indian populations.
• If elective surgical removal of the spleen (splenectomy) or immunosuppressive therapy is planned, the vaccine is given two weeks prior to the procedure, if possible.