Transmission of Streptococcus pneumoniae occurs through

• Direct person-to-person contact via respiratory droplets
• Autoinoculation in persons carrying the bacteria in their upper respiratory tract

The pneumococcal serotypes most often responsible for causing infection are those most frequently found in carriers. Although carriage does not necessarily lead to disease, it is an important precursor for pneumococcal disease.

The following factors influence the spread of the organism within a family or household:

• Crowding
• Season
• Presence of upper respiratory infections or pneumococcal disease, such as pneumonia or otitis media

Temporal pattern

Pneumococcal infections are more common during the winter and in early spring when respiratory diseases are more prevalent.

Communicability

The period of communicability for pneumococcal disease is unknown. Presumably, transmission can occur as long as the organism appears in respiratory secretions.

Who should get the Pneumococcal vaccine?

Children

• All children younger than 5 years old
• Children 5 through 17 years old with certain medical conditions or high-risk conditions* that increase their risk of pneumococcal disease

Adults

• All adults whoa are 65 years and older
• 18 to 64 years old with certain medical conditions or high-risk conditions*
  
  

Adults 65 years or older have the option to get PCV20 if they have already received

• PCV13 (but not PCV15 or PCV20) at any age
• PPSV23 at or after the age of 65 years old

*Certain medical conditions or high-risk conditions include:

• History of invasive pneumococcal disease;
• Immunocompromised states: Asplenia, HIV /AIDS , primary immunodeficiency, Immunodeficiencies related to malignancies and transplantation, Immunodeficiencies related to use of immunosuppressive drugs / systemic steroid
• Chronic disease: Chronic cardiac, pulmonary, liver or renal disease, Diabetes mellitus or cerebrospinal fluid leakage
• With cochlear implants

Who should not get the vaccine?

• Are allergic to any of the vaccine ingredients. Consult your doctor before getting the vaccine
• Had an allergic reaction to a similar vaccine in the past

The side effects of the Pneumococcal vaccine

Like most other vaccines, there are some side effects, some are quite common and some are rare.

Common side effects of pneumococcal vaccine

• Injection site reactions include: Pain, soreness, redness, Warm feeling, swelling and hardening
• Muscle or Joint pain
• Fever
• Chills
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Feeling weak and fatigue

Rare side effects

• High temperature, possibly leading to convulsions (febrile seizures)
• Allergic reactions (Such as difficulty in breathing, wheezing, rash, hives)

Vaccine administration

In most cases, people only require one jab. However, if the person is in a high-risk group for pneumococcal infection, the doctor might decide whether it would be beneficial to give a second shot at a later time.

Can pneumococcal vaccines be received together with seasonal influenza vaccine?

Yes. Pneumococcal vaccines can be given together with seasonal influenza vaccine, but they should be administered at a different injection site.

Can pneumococcal vaccine be given together with COVID-19 vaccine?  

There are currently limited data on the simultaneous administration of COVID-19 vaccines with other vaccines. It is recommended to have a minimal interval of at least 14 days between administration of COVID-19 vaccine (Comirnaty or CoronaVac) and any other vaccine.　

Marina Medical provides PCV 13, PCV 15, PCV 20, and PPSV 23. For information on different vaccines, please check out our blog about pneumococcal vaccines in Hong Kong. For enquiries or booking, please visit here.