Should I get vaccinated against pneumonia?
Aug 31, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Guo Xiheng
Introduction
Pneumonia-preventive vaccines are recommended for administration in individuals without allergies or contraindications. In clinical practice, a 19-valent pneumococcal vaccine is available. In addition to this 19-valent vaccine, other pneumococcal vaccines are also available for pneumonia prevention, with prices ranging in the several-thousand-yuan range. These vaccines are suitable for children approximately two years of age. After vaccination, up to 19 serotypes of pneumococcal pneumonia can be clinically prevented.
Pneumonia is most commonly caused by *Streptococcus pneumoniae* (pneumococcus). Once this bacterium enters the body, it can impair lung health and lead to pneumonia. So, should one receive a pneumococcal vaccine for prevention?
Should one receive a pneumococcal vaccine?
In the absence of allergies or contraindications, pneumococcal vaccination is recommended. In clinical practice, a 19-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV19) is available. Other pneumococcal vaccines are also available, with costs ranging in the thousands of yuan. These vaccines are suitable for children around two years of age. Following vaccination, clinical protection is conferred against 19 serotypes of pneumococcal pneumonia. The typical immunization schedule consists of three doses administered at one month, three months, and six months of age. After completing the series, individuals develop immunity against these 19 serotypes and are significantly less likely to contract infections caused by them. Pneumonia poses a serious threat to children—potentially life-threatening—whereas adult pneumococcal pneumonia typically presents with milder clinical manifestations; therefore, routine vaccination is generally not recommended for healthy adults.
Fever and chills are common symptoms following pneumonia onset. During this time, the body’s energy expenditure increases markedly. It is advisable to avoid raw, cold foods—including watermelon, crab, cold beverages, and ice cream—to prevent impairment of spleen and stomach yang qi, which could compromise gastrointestinal digestion and absorption and hinder recovery. Additionally, patients with pneumonia should minimize or avoid consumption of “heat-inducing” and phlegm-promoting foods such as fish, shrimp, fatty meats, lamb, dog meat, and rooster, as these may exacerbate fever, cough, and expectoration.
Pneumococcal vaccination is strongly recommended for eligible individuals to help prevent disease onset. We hope this information is helpful.
