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Pneumococcal Disease
What is Pneumococcal Disease?
Pneumococcal disease is an infection caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae that can attack different parts of the body and cause a variety of illnesses. Some of the infections are mild, like ear and sinus infections. Some infections can be more serious, like pneumonia or meningitis.
Pneumococcal disease is spread from person to person through coughing, sneezing and close contact. Some people are “carriers” which means they carry the bacteria in their nose or throat but don’t have any symptoms and don’t feel sick. Carriers can then spread the bacteria to others without knowing it.
Pneumococcal is a vaccine-preventable disease.
What are the symptoms and complications of pneumococcal disease?
Pneumococcal disease can cause many different kinds of infections. The symptoms will differ depending on the part of the body that is infected. It is also possible to have more than one infection at the same time.
Pneumococcal disease can have a combination of the following symptoms:
- Fever and chills
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Cough
- Chest pain
- Stiff neck
- Confusion or disorientation
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
Complications of pneumococcal infections can include:
- Inflammation around the lungs (empyema) and heart (pericarditis)
- Blockage of airway allowing air into the lungs (endobronchial obstruction)
- Hearing loss
- Loss of limbs
- Kidney failure
- Damage to brain, lungs or heart
Early diagnosis and treatment for serious pneumococcal infections are very important to avoid long-term complications.
Vaccines are the best way to prevent pneumococcal disease.
Who should get the pneumococcal vaccine?
Pneumococcal disease is common in young children. Older adults are at more risk of developing serious illness or death from pneumococcal disease.
There are two kinds of vaccines used in the United States to help protect against pneumococcal disease:
- Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV13, PCV15 or PCV20)
- Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23)
By 1983, PPSV23 was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for people 2 years of age and older to provide protection against the 23 types of pneumococcal bacteria that is most likely to cause disease in older adults and children.
PCV13 was approved by the FDA in 2010 for use in babies and young children. It protects against 13 types of pneumococcal bacteria. This was an update from a previous version (PPCV7).
In 2021, the FDA approved two additional vaccines (PCV15 and PCV20) for use in adults 18 years of age and older.
The CDC recommends pneumococcal vaccination for the following groups:
- All children younger than two years of age should receive PCV13.
- Children two through 18 years of age with certain medical conditions should receive PCV13 and PPSV23.
- Adults who have never received a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine should receive PCV15 or PCV20 if they are 65 years of age or older; or if they are 19 through 64 years of age and have certain medical conditions or other risk factors.
Some groups may need multiple or booster doses. If PCV15 is used, it should be followed by a dose of PPSV23.
Talk with your or your child’s doctor about the best strategy for vaccination.
Is the pneumococcal vaccine safe?
The pneumococcal vaccines are safe. Flu season is a good time to make sure your pneumococcal vaccination is up to date along with getting your flu vaccine. Having the flu increases your chances of getting pneumococcal disease.
The vaccines protect against most types of pneumococcal bacteria, but not all. The protection from vaccines is good, but there is still a chance of someone developing pneumococcal disease after being vaccinated.
Most people who get a pneumococcal vaccine do not experience any side effects. For those who do, side effects are usually mild and go away on their own. Side effects can include pain or soreness at the spot of the injection, fever, fatigue, loss of appetite or muscle aches.
However, vaccination is still the best way to prevent pneumococcal disease and serious illness.