Pneumococcal Disease in Adults – How Can You Prevent It? Part 2

By Mountain-Pacific Pacific Quality Health

May 20, 2021

In this blog, we learned about what pneumococcal disease is and how it spreads. Now, we will learn how we can help prevent the disease.

Which vaccines help prevent pneumococcal disease in adults?

There are two vaccines used in the United States to help prevent pneumococcal disease: PCV13 and PPSV23. In addition, getting an influenza (flu) vaccine every year can help. Those who get the flu have an increased risk of getting pneumococcal disease.

PCV13

The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13 or Prevnar 13®) protects against 13 types of pneumococcal bacteria. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends PCV13 for adults with an immunocompromising condition, cerebrospinal fluid leak or cochlear implant. Adults 65 years or older can also decide to receive the PCV13 vaccine but should first discuss if this is the right option for them with their vaccine provider.

PPSV23

The pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23 or Pneumovax®) protects against 23 types of pneumococcal bacteria. The CDC recommends PPSV23 for all adults 65 years or older and for adults 19 through 64 years old with an immunocompromising condition, cerebrospinal fluid leak, cochlear implant or certain medical conditions. It is also recommended for adults 19 through 64 years old who smoke cigarettes.

What are the risks of pneumococcal vaccination?

Pneumococcal vaccines are safe, but side effects can occur. Adults receiving PCV13 and PPSV23 have reported mild side effects such as redness, pain and swelling at the injection site. Mild fever, fatigue, headache, chills or muscle pain have also been reported. Life-threatening allergic reactions from either vaccine are rare.

In a COVID-19 world, it’s important to stay on top of all your regular and ongoing vaccination appointments. Staying up-to-date with your influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations will help decrease your chances of becoming sick with a preventable illness. Always talk with your doctor about questions about which vaccine is right for you and when you are due for a booster or new vaccination.