What diseases can the 23-valent vaccine prevent?

23-valent vaccine, also known as the 23-valent pneumococcal vaccine, can effectively prevent various diseases caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae when administered according to medical advice, including pneumonia, meningitis, sepsis, bacteremia, and sinusitis. If you have any concerns, it is recommended to consult a qualified physician. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Pneumonia: The 23-valent pneumococcal vaccine covers 23 common serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae, which account for more than 90% of all pneumococcal infection cases. After vaccination, the human body can produce specific antibodies against these serotypes, thereby reducing the risk of pneumonia.

2. Meningitis: Streptococcus pneumoniae can enter the central nervous system through the bloodstream and cause meningitis. Meningitis is a severe neurological disease that can lead to symptoms such as headache, vomiting, stiff neck, and altered consciousness. Vaccination with the 23-valent pneumococcal vaccine can effectively prevent pneumococcal meningitis.

3. Sepsis: Streptococcus pneumoniae can enter the bloodstream and multiply extensively, releasing toxins that may cause sepsis. Sepsis can present with high fever, chills, skin petechiae and ecchymosis, and shock, and has a high mortality rate. Vaccination with the 23-valent pneumococcal vaccine helps prevent this severe condition.

4. Bacteremia: After Streptococcus pneumoniae enters the bloodstream, although its replication in the blood is relatively mild, it can still cause systemic symptoms such as fever and chills. If not controlled promptly, it may progress to more severe conditions such as sepsis. Vaccination with the 23-valent pneumococcal vaccine can reduce the incidence of bacteremia.

5. Sinusitis: Streptococcus pneumoniae infection of the sinuses can cause sinusitis, presenting with nasal congestion, runny nose, headache, and facial tenderness. Sinusitis not only affects patients' quality of life, but infection spread may also lead to other complications. Vaccination with the 23-valent pneumococcal vaccine helps prevent the occurrence of sinusitis.

Mild adverse reactions may occur after vaccination with the 23-valent pneumococcal vaccine, such as pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site, but these reactions are usually temporary and resolve spontaneously. In rare cases, severe adverse reactions such as allergic reactions may occur; therefore, individuals should closely monitor their condition after vaccination and seek medical attention promptly if any abnormalities occur.

References

[1] Mao Leijing, Ren Mingxue, Lin Ling, et al. Status and spatial clustering analysis of 13-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide conjugate vaccine coverage among children in birth cohorts in Anhui Province from 2017 to 2023[J]. Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui, 2025, 60(02): 332-338.

[2] Liu Jiabao, Zhang Manchang, Gu Haiyan. A case of drug rash caused by 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in a child[J]. Chinese Rural Medicine, 2024, 31(21): 33-34.