How effective are pneumococcal vaccines for the elderly?

Question

Hi doctor,

My grandmother is 80 years old, and she keeps getting infections during winter. We are all scared every time she gets admitted to the hospital. Is there any pneumococcal vaccine available to help her prevent these infections? She is already so old and immunocompromised, so we want something that works well for her. Does the vaccine prevent pneumonia and other respiratory infections? How effective are these vaccines for the elderly? We need something to avoid all these scary infections and keep her out of the hospital.

Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Patients who are at increased risk of pneumococcal pneumonia include:

1. Patients with cochlear implants.

2. Patients with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak.

3. Patients with diabetes.

4. Patients with kidney disorders and a history of splenectomy.

5. Immunocompromised conditions like HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) or post-organ transplantation.

6. Elderly people.

7. Chronic alcoholics and smokers.

Pneumococcal vaccine is advised for children and all individuals who are above 65 years of age, irrespective of their health status. It is quite effective in preventing the occurrence of pneumonia due to streptococcus pneumoniae. It is recommended for children and the elderly and must be taken by all such individuals. This vaccine is quite safe, and only mild side effects like fever and local site pain can occur.

Types of pneumococcal vaccines:

There are two main types of pneumococcal vaccines recommended for adults:

Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13 or PCV20): PCV13 protects against 13 types of pneumococcal bacteria. PCV20 covers 20 types and is recommended for adults over 65 and those with certain health conditions.
Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23): PPSV23 protects against 23 types of pneumococcal bacteria and is often given after the conjugate vaccine.

Recommended schedule:

For most adults over 65, it is typically recommended to get one dose of PCV20 or a sequence of PCV13 followed by PPSV23 after a certain interval. Your doctor can provide personalized advice based on your health history and any previous vaccinations. Getting vaccinated is a proactive step to safeguard your health as you age. It is always a good idea to discuss any concerns or questions with your healthcare provider to ensure you are following the best plan for your health needs. If you have not already, consider scheduling your vaccination soon. Measures for the prevention of pneumonia in general include:

1. Regular vaccination should be given two to four weeks after recovery from pneumonia, including COVID-19, pneumococcal, and influenza vaccinations, if not taken already.

2. Maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.

3. Ensure the consumption of a balanced and nutritious diet.

I hope this information helps you.

Revert in case of queries.

Regards.