Pneumococcal Immunization

This immunization is intended to protect one against infections caused by pneumococcal organism. Pneumo jab is another term used to describe it. The pneumococcal bacterium is responsible for pneumonia – a condition in which lungs are inflamed, septicaemia – a condition in which blood is poisoned, meningitis – an infection affecting brain and membranes of spinal cord.

People of all ages are susceptible to these diseases, but young children and elderly population are more prone to develop this.

Types of immunization

Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) is the one administered to children under age of two.

Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV) is the one meant for elderly population above 65 years old.

People with a disorder of heart or kidney may also be given the vaccine of the second type.

What makes it important

As most of the pneumococcal infection end up fatal, timely immunization is always necessary. Another important factor to be considered is that these infections are highly contagious. A sneeze or cough by an infected person is sufficient to spread the disease to an uninfected. Children and elderly population, especially when they are already with some sort of long term disorders are very much prone to develop pneumococcal infections. This makes immunization of these vulnerable groups relevant.

How does the vaccine protect from infections

Both types of vaccine contain strains of the causative organism and once injected into the body, it stimulates antibody production. These circulating antibodies in the blood are actually guarding you against the infections. Once the person comes in contact with the organisms, the antibodies take charge and protect the person.

Time for immunization

People who might need an immunization can be grouped into three. These are
Children:
Children may be given the immunization as part of their routine immunization schedule. They may be given the vaccine in 3 doses, first when the child is 2 months old, next at 4 months and the final one at 13 months.

Older people:

Those aged 65 and above should be vaccinated as they are pretty more prone to these infections and need to be immunized at this age.

High risk groups

The people included in high risk group are those whose spleen is removed, a case of asthma, serious cardiac disorders, chronic respiratory disorders, severe renal diseases, diseases affecting liver, diabetes mellitus cases and immuno-suppressant condition.

Side effects

The side effects are very rare and one need not worry of it. A minor hard or sore area surrounding the injection site is quite common and disappears in no matter of time. In very rare instances, people may develop hypersensitivity reaction to the vaccine and may require some immediate treatment measures. Breathlessness, development of rashes locally or all over the body, swellings etc are manifestations of an allergic reaction. In this case an immediate intervention is required as it is fatal.

Cautions

It is normally contraindicated during pregnancy. Inform physician immediately if one develops allergic reaction.