Is it effective to get a pneumonia vaccine?
May 10, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Guo Xiheng
Introduction
Injecting the pneumonia vaccine is generally effective, but it is not useful if the patient already has pneumonia. Pneumonia vaccines are usually inactivated vaccines; after vaccination, they stimulate the body to produce specific antibodies, thereby preventing pneumonia. If exposed to the relevant pathogens again, the body can quickly mount an immune response to eliminate the disease-causing bacteria.
Getting a pneumonia vaccine is generally effective. However, if a patient already has pneumonia, administering the vaccine at that time is ineffective. The detailed explanation is as follows:
1. Effective
Pneumonia vaccines are typically inactivated vaccines. After vaccination, the body produces specific antibodies, thereby preventing pneumonia. When exposed to the relevant pathogens again, the body can quickly mount an immune response to eliminate the disease-causing bacteria, reducing the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Therefore, the vaccine is effective.
2. Ineffective
If a patient is already suffering from pneumonia, especially during the acute phase, the pneumonia vaccine cannot treat the existing infection—it only serves preventive purposes. Moreover, during this period, the patient's immune function is weakened. Receiving the vaccine may result in insufficient antibody production and could worsen adverse reactions. Hence, vaccination at this stage is ineffective.
It is recommended to consult a doctor before vaccination to determine whether your current health condition meets the criteria for vaccination. After injection, local swelling at the injection site may occur; therefore, avoid getting the area wet too soon to prevent interference with healing.
