Will PCV prevent pneumonia or reduce severity at 61?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 61 and recently recovered from pneumonia that required a hospital stay. The sputum culture grew Streptococcus pneumoniae. My WBC was 17,400, and CRP was 68 during the worst phase. I never got the pneumococcal vaccine before. My doctor recommended both PCV15 and PPSV23 now.

What is the difference between these two vaccines, and do I need both?
Is it common to get pneumococcal pneumonia even if otherwise healthy?
Will taking these vaccines prevent all future episodes or just reduce the severity?
Should I also be taking the flu shot every year to reduce risk?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

PCV15 (pneumococcal conjugate vaccine) (Prevnar 15) and PPSV23 (pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine) (Pneumovax 23) are both vaccines that protect against Streptococcus pneumoniae. Still, they work in different ways and are often used together for stronger, broader protection.

PCV15 is a conjugate vaccine that covers 15 strains and creates a strong, long-lasting immune response by linking bacterial sugars to a protein, making it especially effective in older adults or those with weaker immune systems.
PPSV23, on the other hand, is a polysaccharide vaccine that covers 23 strains but produces a less robust immune response.

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends that adults 65 and older, or younger adults with certain conditions like diabetes or chronic lung disease, receive both vaccines: PCV15 first, followed by PPSV23 at least one year later.

While pneumococcal pneumonia is more common in people with underlying health issues, even otherwise healthy adults over 60 can get infected, especially after hospitalization or when the immune system is stressed.

These vaccines do not prevent every case of pneumonia, but they significantly lower the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and complications. It is also strongly recommended to get an annual flu shot, as influenza weakens the lungs and can lead to secondary bacterial infections like pneumococcal pneumonia.

I hope this helps.

Thank you and take care.

Regards.