Strep pneumo is a bad bug. It is bad enough to recommend universal vaccination for adults and children. In fact, the vaccination campaigns have been really effective. So what is new with the vaccine? Depending on which vaccine you get, most adults will now only need one shot. Known as “Prevnar 20,” this conjugate vaccine contains all the necessary strains to avoid needing 2 vaccines in the future. [i]
The New Recommendation
The new recommendation contains a “simplified” plan. All adults need a conjugate vaccine after age 65, regardless of health conditions. Some individuals should have the vaccination earlier, like those with immunocompromising conditions. This would include any chronic lung, heart, or liver disease, alcoholism, diabetes, and some cancers. [ii] If a person receives Prevnar 20 (PCV 20), they are done. If this is unavailable and a person receives Prevnar 15 (PCV), then they need to receive Pneumovax 23 (PPSV23) at least 1 year later. [iii]
Will It keep me from getting pneumonia?
Pneumonococcal vaccines do not necessary prevent pneumonia, but they can prevent serious illness and even death from Streptococcus pneumoniae. [iv] There are also other causes of pneumonia, such as influenza and COVID 19. Getting vaccinations for influenza and COVID can help prevent serious illness as well. It is safe to receive Prevnar 20 with the seasonal flu shot or COVID shot as well.
Not Sure Which pneumococcal vaccine you need?
Patients of our Sacred Heart Mercy Health Care Center can call to find out what they need or ask during an appointment. If you know that you need one of these vaccines and arrange with the clinic ahead of time, this vaccination can be provided with your flu shot during the drive through flu shot clinic days.
Want to find out which vaccine you may need?
Click here to use the CDC’s PneumoRecs VaxAdvisor tool
[i] Use of 15-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine … – cdc.gov. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. (2022, January 28). Retrieved February 13, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/pdfs/mm7104a1-H.pdf
[ii] ACIP proposes new, straightforward pneumococcal vaccine recommendations. (2021, December 9). U.S. Pharmacist – The Leading Journal in Pharmacy. Retrieved February 11, 2022, from https://www.uspharmacist.com/article/acip-proposes-new-straightforward-pneumococcal-vaccine-recommendations#:~:text=The%20FDA%20approved%20Prevnar%2020,aged%2018%20years%20and%20older.
[iii] Use of 15-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine … – cdc.gov. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. (2022, January 28). Retrieved February 13, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/pdfs/mm7104a1-H.pdf
[iv] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, August 18). Pinkbook: Pneumococcal disease. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved February 11, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/pinkbook/pneumo.html#clinical-features
Posted for Pneumonia Vaccination Month
September 30, 2022
