Prevnar and Pneumovax: What to Know About Pneumonia Shots
For patients aged 65 or older, receiving a series of pneumococcal vaccines is one of the most effective ways to prevent several severe conditions that can lead to hospitalization or death. Since the introduction of these lifesaving vaccines, the incidence of pneumococcal pneumonia and other pneumococcal diseases has decreased, both in children and adults over 65.
In this article, we’ll look in-depth at pneumococcal diseases, the two available vaccines, and what you should know about getting your “pneumonia shots.”
What Is Pneumococcal Disease?
While the pneumococcal vaccines are commonly called “pneumonia shots,” they’re effective against an entire family of diseases caused by the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. When someone is infected with S. pneumoniae, they can suffer from conditions including:
Pneumonia
Pneumococcal pneumonia (sometimes called “bacterial pneumonia”) is a lung infection in which the lungs become inflamed and filled with fluid. The disease can affect just a single part of one lung or expand to inflame both lungs. Of all the forms of pneumonia, this is the most common and one of the most likely to become severe in older patients.
Some of the complications that can arise from bacterial pneumonia include:
- Empyema, an infection around the lungs and in the chest cavity
- Pericarditis, an inflammation of the outer lining of the heart
- Endobronchial obstruction, a blockage of the airways that is frequently accompanied by lung collapse and a buildup of pus in the lungs
About 1 in 20 patients die from pneumococcal pneumonia.
Bacteremia
If the bacteria infects the blood, it can lead to bacteremia. Sometimes referred to as a “bloodstream infection,” bacteremia is a severe medical condition, particularly in patients over 65. The condition is usually associated with a case of pneumonia, but it is possible to develop bacteremia by itself. Bacteremia is considered an “invasive disease” since it impacts a part of the body that doesn’t usually harbor pathogens.
About 1 out of 20 adults who contract pneumococcal bacteremia die from the disease, and many survivors suffer the loss of one or more limbs.
Meningitis
Another serious condition that can lead to death is bacterial meningitis. When the infection moves into the protective membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord (meninges), it can cause the tissue to become inflamed and swell. Most people recover from bacterial meningitis, but there can be significant impacts from even a short bout with the disease, including brain damage and hearing loss. Meningitis is also considered an “invasive disease.”
About 1 in 6 adult patients with bacterial meningitis die from the infection.
Sinus and Ear Infections
While not as severe as the first three conditions on this list, S. pneumoniae can also cause ear and sinus infections (otitis or sinusitis, respectively) that, if left untreated, can develop into more severe conditions.
What Are the Pneumonia Shots?
The pneumococcal vaccines come in two varieties that are commonly administered to adults:
Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines (Prevnar and Vaxneuvance)
These vaccines come in different types that differ in the number of strains they protect against. Two of those varieties, PCV15 (Vaxneuvance) and PCV20 (Prevnar 20), are commonly given to adults over 65.
Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (Pneumovax)
This vaccine is typically only given to children or adults over 65 who have received the PCV15 (Vaxneuvance) vaccine. If you received a dose of PCV20 (Prevnar 20), you won’t need the Pneumovax vaccine.
The pneumococcal vaccines have been shown to be very effective in preventing pneumonia and invasive pneumococcal disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that all adults aged 65 and older should get pneumococcal vaccines.
What Should I Expect From My Pneumonia Shots
The pneumococcal vaccines are very safe, and serious side effects are rare. Most commonly, patients who receive the vaccines will suffer from a few mild side effects that will go away after a few days:
- Reactions at the injection site, including redness, swelling, and tenderness
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Irritability
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Muscle or joint pain
- Chills
If you experience more severe side effects, or if side effects persist for more than a few days, you should contact your doctor.
It’s also important to note that pneumococcal vaccines are not effective against all types of pneumonia. The shots only protect against pneumococcal (“bacterial”) pneumonia. While this is the most common form of pneumonia experienced by older patients, there are other types, including fungal pneumonia and mycoplasma (“walking”) pneumonia. Another type, viral pneumonia, is commonly caused by the influenza virus – even more reason to get your annual flu shot.
Is There Any Reason I Should Avoid the Pneumonia Shot?
There are few reasons for anyone 65 or older to avoid getting a pneumococcal vaccine. The main reasons one might want to avoid or postpone their shot are:
- If you’ve ever had a severe allergic reaction after receiving a pneumococcal vaccine.
- If you have a severe, life-threatening allergy to any of the vaccine’s components (your doctor can tell you what the vaccine contains).
- If you are currently suffering from a serious illness. (If you’re in the middle of a mild illness like a cold, you should be fine to receive the vaccine.)
Angus Lake Healthcare is your local pharmacy consultant, serving facilities and their residents across Central Georgia.
Angus Lake can hold vaccine clinics at your facility to protect your patients against pneumococcal and other dangerous diseases. Schedule a consultation today to learn more: 478-233-1828.
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