Is the pneumococcal vaccine important for elderly people?

Question

Hello doctor,

My dad is 70 years old and recently got a pneumococcal infection, and it has been tough on him as he is already weak. He had a high fever and cough for days, and he is still not feeling fully recovered. The doctor suggested a vaccination, but we are unsure if it is effective after he already got sick.

How often would he need this vaccine, and is it really important for older people?

His breathing still seems off, and we are wondering if that is normal after having pneumococcal disease. We are worried about any long-term impact on his lungs. Can this illness cause breathing problems permanently? Should he be on any special diet or vitamins to get stronger?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understand your concern.

The pneumococcal vaccine is used for prevention, not treatment, so while it will not cure the infection he already had, it can help prevent future pneumococcal infections.

Your dad can still receive the pneumococcal vaccine after recovering from the infection.

1. It is recommended to wait for a few weeks to months after the acute infection has resolved before getting vaccinated, but the vaccine will provide future protection.

2. Pneumococcal infections can cause serious complications, particularly in older adults, such as lung infections, bacteremia, and meningitis.

3. For this reason, pneumococcal vaccination is recommended for adults over 65 years, as it can reduce the risk of such infections and protect against potential reinfection.

4. There are two types of pneumococcal vaccines: PCV13 and PPSV23. If he has not already received both, the general recommendation is:

PCV13 (Prevnar 13) is typically given first.

PPSV23 (Pneumovax 23) is usually administered eight weeks after the PCV13 vaccine.

For someone over 65, the vaccines may be administered once, but booster shots are recommended in certain circumstances, especially if your dad has underlying health issues.

It is common for older adults recovering from a severe respiratory infection like pneumonia (caused by Pneumococcus) to experience persistent respiratory symptoms, such as shortness of breath, cough, or fatigue. These symptoms could last for a few weeks as the body heals. However, if your dad is still struggling with breathing difficulties after a few weeks, it may indicate lingering damage to the lungs.

Pneumococcal infection can cause long-term lung problems, particularly in those who are older or already have weakened lung function.

It is possible that the infection caused lung scarring (pulmonary fibrosis), which can lead to long-term breathing difficulties. Tests like lung function tests or a follow-up chest X-ray can help assess the extent of any lung damage. A balanced diet, encourages your dad to drink plenty of fluids. Focus on a high-calorie, high-protein diet to rebuild strength.

As mentioned, older adults, especially those with weakened immune systems or pre-existing lung conditions, can be more prone to long-term effects from respiratory infections. Regular follow-ups with his pulmonologist. Avoid smoking or secondhand smoke.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.