Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine

The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) is a type of vaccine that protects against infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, also known as pneumococcus. This bacterium can cause a range of diseases, including pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis.

How the Vaccine Works

The PCV works by introducing a small, harmless piece of the pneumococcus bacterium or a sugar from the bacterium's surface to the body. This triggers an immune response, which helps the body to recognize and fight the bacterium if it enters the body in the future.

Types of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines

There are several types of PCV available, including:

• PCV7 (Prevnar): This vaccine protects against 7 serotypes of pneumococcus (4, 6B, 9V, 14, 18C, 19F, and 23F).
• PCV10 (Synflorix): This vaccine protects against 10 serotypes of pneumococcus (1, 4, 5, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19F, and 23F).
• PCV13 (Prevnar 13): This vaccine protects against 13 serotypes of pneumococcus (1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19A, 19F, and 23F).

Who Should Receive the Vaccine

The PCV is recommended for:

• Children under the age of 2 years: The vaccine is typically given in a series of doses at 2, 4, 6, and 12-15 months of age.
• Adults aged 65 years and older: A single dose of PCV13 is recommended for adults in this age group.
• Adults aged 19-64 years with certain medical conditions: These include chronic heart disease, chronic lung disease, diabetes, and those with a weakened immune system.

Benefits of the Vaccine

The PCV has been shown to be highly effective in preventing invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD), including meningitis and sepsis. The vaccine has also been shown to reduce the risk of pneumonia and other infections caused by pneumococcus.

Side Effects

Common side effects of the PCV include:

• Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
• Fever
• Irritability
• Drowsiness
• Loss of appetite

More serious side effects are rare but can include allergic reactions and seizures.

Contraindications

The PCV should not be given to individuals who have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of the vaccine or to any component of the vaccine. The vaccine should also be used with caution in individuals with a history of Guillain-Barré Syndrome.