What diseases can the 13-valent pneumococcal vaccine prevent?

Mar 17, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Ren Yi

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, the 13-valent pneumococcal vaccine refers to the 13-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide conjugate vaccine. The 13-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide conjugate vaccine can prevent diseases such as pneumonia, meningitis, sepsis, otitis media, and sinusitis. When receiving the vaccine, one should consult a doctor to learn about the vaccination schedule, precautions, and possible side effects.

Generally speaking, the 13-valent pneumococcal vaccine refers to the 13-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide conjugate vaccine. This vaccine can prevent diseases such as pneumonia, meningitis, sepsis, otitis media, and sinusitis. Details are as follows:

1. Pneumonia

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a common pathogen causing pneumonia. It can lead to symptoms such as fever, cough, sputum production, and chest pain. Severe cases may result in complications like respiratory failure. The 13-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide conjugate vaccine effectively prevents pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae and reduces the risk of developing pneumonia.

2. Meningitis

Streptococcus pneumoniae can enter the brain through the bloodstream and cause meningitis. Meningitis may lead to symptoms such as headache, fever, vomiting, and neck stiffness. It can even cause permanent neurological damage, such as hearing loss, intellectual disability, and epilepsy, seriously threatening patients' lives and health. Vaccination can reduce the occurrence of pneumococcal meningitis.

3. Sepsis

Streptococcus pneumoniae can enter the bloodstream and multiply, causing sepsis. This can lead to severe symptoms including high fever, chills, skin petechiae or ecchymosis, and shock, with a high mortality rate. The 13-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide conjugate vaccine helps prevent sepsis and reduces the risk of severe consequences caused by sepsis.

4. Otitis Media

Streptococcus pneumoniae is one of the common causes of otitis media in children. It can lead to symptoms such as ear pain, hearing loss, and tinnitus. Recurrent otitis media may affect children's language development and learning ability. Vaccination can prevent otitis media caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae and protect children's ear health.

5. Sinusitis

Streptococcus pneumoniae infection of the sinuses can cause sinusitis, resulting in symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, headache, and facial pain, which can affect patients' quality of life. This vaccine can help prevent pneumococcal sinusitis to a certain extent.

When receiving the vaccine, consult a doctor to understand the vaccination schedule, precautions, and potential side effects.

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Does the 13-valent pneumococcal vaccine cause fever with every dose?

Fever generally refers to an elevated body temperature. Not everyone will experience fever after receiving each dose of the 13-valent pneumococcal vaccine; however, some individuals may develop a fever, which is considered a common adverse reaction. If the fever is low-grade, no special treatment is required. It is recommended to drink more hot water at home, and symptoms usually resolve spontaneously after 2–3 days of rest. If a high fever develops, exceeding 38.5°C, antipyretic treatment should be administered.