The bacterium is called Streptococcus pneumoniae (“pneumococci”). Pneumococci can cause ear infections and severe infections of the lungs (pneumonia), blood (bacteremia), and covering of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis). Increases in cases of pneumococcal pneumonia may occur during outbreaks of influenza.
Pneumococcal disease can be very serious. Infants, young children, persons 65 and older, and persons with underlying disease are at increased risk of getting pneumococcal disease Persons are more likely to get very sick or die from pneumococcal disease if they have problems such as alcoholism, heart or lung disease, kidney failure, diabetes, cancer, weakness of the immune system, or sickle cell disease. Older persons as a group are more likely to die from pneumococcal disease. The high risk of death occurs despite treatment. Antibiotics are used to treat pneumococcal disease Two types of vaccine are available to prevent pneumococcal disease One type of pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for all persons aged 65 and older, and for persons of any age (over 2 years old) who have heart or lung disease, kidney failure, diabetes, alcoholism, cirrhosis, sickle cell disease, and for Alaskan natives and certain American Indian groups. This vaccine is also recommended for those with a weakened immune system or who are taking drugs that weaken the immune system (including persons with cancer, organ transplant, infection with human immunodeficiency virus [HIV or AIDS], or who have had their spleen removed). This vaccine needs to be given only once initially, but it can be repeated in 5 years for those at highest risk. A second type of pneumococcal vaccine has recently been licensed for use in infants and young children (called the “conjugate pneumococcal vaccine”). This vaccine is recommended for all children less than 2 years old. Additionally, the vaccine is recommended for certain children between 2 and 5 years old, including those who have sickle cell disease; chronic heart or lung disease; kidney failure; diabetes; or weakened immune systems (such as patients who have cancer, organ transplant, take steroids for a long time, or have HIV infection or AIDS). The vaccine can also be given to any child between 2 and 5 years old, children who attend group daycare, or children who are African-American, Alaskan Native, or American Indian. This vaccine may need to be given between 1 to 4 times depending on how old the child is. You should talk to your doctor to find out if your child should receive this vaccine. |
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| Q1: What is pneumococcal disease? |
| Pneumococcal disease is an infection caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae. This bacterium can lead to various serious illnesses, including pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections. Pneumonia is the most common form, characterized by lung inflammation and difficulty breathing. Meningitis, on the other hand, involves inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Pneumococcal disease can affect people of all ages, but it is particularly dangerous for infants, young children, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems. |
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| Q2: How is pneumococcal disease transmitted? |
| Pneumococcal disease is primarily spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. People can also carry the bacteria in their nasopharynx (the back of the nose) without showing symptoms, and they can still transmit the bacteria to others. Close contact with someone infected, such as living in the same household or being in crowded places, increases the risk of transmission. Good hygiene practices, such as handwashing and covering coughs and sneezes, can help limit the spread of the disease. |
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| Q3: Who is at higher risk for pneumococcal disease? |
| Certain populations are at higher risk for pneumococcal disease, including children under two years of age, elderly individuals over 65, and people with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, chronic diseases, and weakened immune systems (due to conditions like HIV/AIDS or treatments like chemotherapy). Additionally, individuals without a functioning spleen or those who have undergone long-term immunosuppressive therapy are also at increased risk. Vaccination is crucial for these high-risk groups to prevent serious infections. |
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| Q4: What vaccines are available to protect against pneumococcal disease? |
| There are two main types of pneumococcal vaccines: the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) and the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV). The PCV13 and PCV15 vaccines protect against 13 and 15 types of pneumococcal bacteria, respectively, and are typically given to infants and young children. The PPSV23 vaccine protects against 23 types and is recommended for adults over 65 and for younger individuals at higher risk. These vaccines can significantly reduce the incidence of pneumococcal infections and are an essential part of public health strategies. |
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