What Is the Pneumococcal Vaccine?

The Streptococcus pneumoniae bacterium invades the respiratory tract, causing pneumococcal disease, which consists of numerous contagious infections that spread to other people through the air. Organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control recommend pneumococcal vaccines to avoid related health risks.

Function

• Pneumococcal vaccines help protect people from developing infections resulting from Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, such as meningitis and pneumonia.

Types

• The two kinds of pneumococcal vaccine are the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine and the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine. Both types are produced from dead or inactivated bacteria.

Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine

• The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is administered to children between the ages of 2 months and 15 months in four doses given when the child is 2 months, 4 months, 6 months and the final one at 12 to 15 months. The vaccine helps prevent childhood medical conditions such as ear infections and pneumonia.

Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine

• The pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine is used for children older than age 2 and adults. Most receive one injected dose of vaccine, although some individuals, such as those with a weak immune system or spleen conditions, may require two doses.

Considerations

• Both pneumococcal vaccines rarely cause complications. Minor side effects include a low fever and soreness where the injection occurred. Some people may also be allergic.