When is the best season to get the 23-valent pneumococcal vaccine?

Sep 22, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Guo Xiheng

Introduction

The 23-valent pneumococcal vaccine is primarily intended for individuals aged 2 years and older, including adults, and is mainly used to prevent infections caused by 23 serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae. It provides protection against severe infections such as bacteremic pneumonia, meningitis, sepsis, and bacteremia caused by these strains.

The 23-valent pneumococcal vaccine is best administered during autumn and winter, as receiving the shot in autumn allows the body to develop sufficient antibodies by winter—the peak season for pneumonia—providing effective protection. The 23-valent pneumococcal vaccine offers many benefits.

1. The 23-valent pneumococcal vaccine can prevent over 90% of pneumococcal pneumonia cases and is generally suitable for children aged two years and older, as well as elderly or frail individuals. Since this vaccine stimulates the production of protective antibodies against most or all strains of pneumococcus, it significantly reduces the incidence of pneumonia infections.

2. The 23-valent pneumococcal vaccine not only helps prevent severe pneumonia but also protects against other respiratory infections such as bronchitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, and even meningitis and various other infections caused by pneumococcus.

The 23-valent pneumococcal vaccine is primarily recommended for individuals aged two years and older, including adults, to prevent infection from 23 specific serotypes of pneumococcal bacteria. It provides preventive protection against serious conditions such as bacteremic pneumonia, meningitis, sepsis, and bacteremia. However, individuals currently undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, those with severe heart disease or significant pulmonary dysfunction, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers should not receive the 23-valent pneumococcal vaccine.

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Who is suitable for the 23-valent pneumococcal vaccine?

The 23-valent pneumococcal vaccine, commonly known as the 23-valent pneumonia vaccine, is suitable for individuals aged 2 years and older who are susceptible to pneumococcal infection. It is also recommended for those with chronic liver disease, alcohol intoxication, or impaired immune function. Generally, a single dose is sufficient; however, high-risk individuals for pneumococcal infection or those whose antibody levels decline rapidly after the initial vaccination may receive a second dose.

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Is it normal to have a high fever after receiving the 23-valent pneumococcal vaccine?

High fever generally refers to hyperpyrexia. Developing a high fever after receiving the 23-valent pneumococcal vaccine may be a normal vaccine reaction. However, if the high fever is caused by a concurrent infection during vaccination, this is considered abnormal and requires timely appropriate treatment. If body temperature is below 38.5°C, physical cooling methods can be used.

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What is the difference between the 13-valent pneumococcal vaccine and the 23-valent pneumococcal vaccine?

The differences between the 13-valent pneumococcal vaccine and the 23-valent pneumococcal vaccine include variations in vaccination coverage, technology, target populations, and more. The 13-valent pneumococcal vaccine protects against 13 types of Streptococcus pneumoniae, while the 23-valent pneumococcal vaccine protects against 23 types, offering broader coverage than the 13-valent vaccine. In addition to these differences, the two vaccines also differ in their compositional components.

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Do you need to get the 23-valent pneumococcal vaccine every year?

The 23-valent pneumococcal vaccine is generally not required annually. It is typically administered once after the age of two, and may be given again after five years. The 23-valent pneumococcal vaccine is primarily recommended for high-risk individuals over the age of two, and a single dose is usually sufficient. After vaccination, it is important to maintain cleanliness at the injection site and avoid bathing to prevent potential infection.