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Pneumococcal Vaccine

Drug Class: Commonly Known As: Category:
Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (serotype (1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6B + 7F + 8 + 9N + 9V + 10A + 11A + 12F + 14 + 15B + 17F + 18C + 19A + 19F + 20 + 22F + 23F + 33F)) Pneumovax, Pneumo 23, Prevenar

Pneumococcal Vaccine - What is it for

Pneumococcal vaccines help to prevent pneumococcal disease caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Pneumococcal disease includes infection of the lungs (pneumonia), ear (otitis media), brain (meningitis), blood (bacteremia) and other serious infections.

Symptoms of pneumococcal disease vary depending on the infected organ. It can range from low-grade fever, cough, ear ache and chest pain, to more serious symptoms such as confusion or severe headaches.

What are the types of Pneumococcal vaccines available?

There are 2 types of pneumococcal vaccines available:

1. Pneumococcal Conjugate vaccine (PCV13)

2. Pneumococcal Polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23)

PCV13 protects against 13 pneumococcal bacteria strains that most commonly cause pneumococcal disease, while the PPSV23 protects against 23 strains. PCV13 when given before PPSV23, provides an extended protection in a selected group of patients, as compared to giving PPSV23 alone.

Who should receive the vaccine?

All infants should be given two doses of PCV13 (at ages 3 and 5 months), with a booster at 12 months. Children who fall behind should be given catch-up vaccination through to 59 months of age. You may refer to the Singapore National Childhood Immunisation Schedule or ask your child’s doctor for more details.

In the elderly aged 65 years and above, one dose each of PCV13 and PPSV23 is recommended.

Please consult your doctor for more details (e.g. on the number of recommended doses and vaccine type) for the following medical conditions:

  • Persons aged 18 years and older with chronic illnesses, such as chronic lung, heart, kidney or liver diseases and diabetes mellitus
  • Persons who are immunocompromised (having lower body resistance to infections) or with other medical conditions, such as persons with:
    • Cochlear implants or cerebrospinal fluid leaks;
    • Abnormal spleen function (including conditions such as homozygous sickle cell disease and coeliac syndrome)

Pneumococcal Vaccine - Handling

How should I handle Pneumococcal Vaccine safely?

Pneumococcal Vaccine - Storage

How should I store Pneumococcal Vaccine ?

How should I dispose of Pneumococcal Vaccine safely?

Pneumococcal Vaccine - Additional Information

  • Updated on
  • Article contributed by PSS National Medication Information Workgroup
The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

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