Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs which causes various complications including death. For over a century, vaccines have been used to overcome various viral and bacterial infections. The recent Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of vaccines in disease prevention. Vaccines for pneumonia are quite effective and are widely prescribed in the US and other countries. In this article, we will understand pneumonia and its vaccine in depth.
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that is generally mistaken for flu. It causes mild to severe illness across age-groups of people. Lungs get filled with fluid or pus which causes inflammation there. Symptoms are similar to that of flu, but pneumonia can last longer and cause serious complications. Signs and symptoms include trouble breathing, fever, cough, tightness in the chest and loss of appetite. It is common in young children and older adults who have major health conditions or a weakened immune system. It is fairly common in the winter months and is mistaken for flu. However, it can be more deadly than flu and can be life-threatening to some people.
Pneumonia can be caused by a wide range of bacteria, viruses or fungi. This includes influenza virus (flu viris), RSV or respiratory syncytial virus, the virus that causes COVID-19 which is SARS-CoV-2, Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) Infection, Rhinovirus Infection, Legionnaires’ disease, Human Parainfluenza Virus (HPIV) Infection, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Pneumocystis Pneumonia. However, most often, pneumonia is caused by a specific bacteria called streptococcus pneumoniae. And this condition is called pneumococcal pneumonia (PP).
Pneumonia can be effectively treated with antibiotics. Duration of the course will depend on type of pneumonia and how severe it is. But preventing pneumonia is a better option and this is where vaccines come into the picture. Vaccines have been used for over a century to prevent chickenpox (caused by varicella virus), influenza (flu virus), measles, haemophilus influenzae typeb (Hib), pertussis or whooping cough, pneumococcal pneumonia and COVID.
The pneumonia vaccine cannot prevent a pneumonia-outbreak in every individual who is vaccinated. However, those who develop pneumonia in-spite of the vaccine will have mild symptoms.
There are several ways in which one can contract pneumonia. Prominent are:
The difference between the above types comes from the fact that different sets of bacteria and viruses cause each of these types.
One shot of the above vaccines is given to the target group and this is enough for life-long protection. However, if there is any change in the medical condition of the person, a booster dose is given. Consult a doctor before going in for the Pneumonia vaccine.
For other than people mentioned in the above list, pneumonia vaccines are completely safe. An extract of the bacteria is used in making the vaccine and not the entire bacteria itself. So, the risk of contracting pneumonia is not there. There are mild reactions, which are normal with any vaccine. This includes:
In fact, less than 1% of vaccinated people show these side-effects. Allergic reactions are even rarer.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) agency in the US licensed the first pneumonia vaccine – PCV7- in the year 2000 and since then, it has been licensing other variations and the PPSV vaccines after clinical trial results are shared with them. Innumerable trials and studies done thereafter in the US and other parts of the world have established the efficacy of these vaccines in preventing both pneumococcal pneumonia and invasive pneumococcal disease. They have shown good results in infants, young children, adults and seniors alike. All variations of these vaccines help the body’s immune system produce antibodies that fight the pneumococcal bacteria successfully.
If you would like to get the pneumonia vaccine, consult a reputed hospital in your city. After preliminary investigation by doctors, you will be administered the vaccine relevant for you.
Reviewed by Dr Suresh S Venkita, Group Medical Director, Kauvery Hospitals
Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.
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