Do I Need A Pneumococcal Vaccine?

As of 2019, pneumonia remains the principal cause of death among Malaysian women, and the second leading cause of death amongst Malaysian men.¹

Pneumococcal pneumonia, the most common type of bacterial pneumonia², is an infectious and potentially serious bacterial lung disease.³  Unlike common colds that are caused by viruses, pneumococcal pneumonia is caused by bacteria and can lead to severe symptoms.³

However, there are vaccines that can protect against the disease, known as pneumococcal vaccines.⁴

Like all other vaccines, pneumococcal vaccines encourage your body to produce antibodies, which are proteins produced by the body to neutralize or destroy disease-carrying organisms or toxins. These antibodies fight then against pneumococcal bacteria to prevent pneumonia in the host body.⁵ 

Why should I get the vaccine?

Pneumococcal vaccines help to prevent its recipient from contracting the pneumococcal disease, which is any type of illness caused by the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria.⁴ 

Since its introduction, the pneumococcal vaccine has reduced the rate of the invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria in otherwise healthy adults.⁶

It should be noted that bacterial pneumonia in itself is not contagious – however, the infection that causes it can be. It also has the ability to spread to others through coughs, sneezes, and even contact with contaminated objects.⁷

Severe cases of pneumonia can bring about fatal complications such as organ damage, sepsis and septic shock, meningitis, and lung abscesses. If left untreated, severe pneumonia can also have long-lasting effects on your lungs, and potentially increase your susceptibility to future infections.⁸

Sometimes, pneumonia can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms are variable and can be similar to symptoms of a cold or influenza⁹. As such, pneumococcal vaccines can help prevent pneumococcal disease.⁴

If you have further doubts, you can reach out and speak to a healthcare provider about whether it’s the right immunisation option for you.

Photo credit: Matthew Bennett @ Unsplash

Who Should Get The Vaccine?

Generally, it is advised that children, the elderly, and those with health conditions who are more likely to be infected with pneumonia to get vaccinated.^4,10

Who are more likely to be susceptible to pneumococcal disease? You might belong in this high-risk group¹⁰ if:

• You are above 65 years old. 
• You are a smoker.
• You suffer from heart disease.
• You suffer from diabetes.
• You have asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or a condition that weakens your immune system.
• You have recently undergone chemotherapy, have had an organ transplant, or have HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) or AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).
• You drink alcohol heavily.
• You’ve recently had surgery or recovered from a severe illness.

To find out more about pneumococcal vaccine, reach out to a healthcare provider about your immunisation options.

When To Get The Vaccine?

There are two vaccines for pneumonia that protect against the infection and collectively protect from more than 30 types of pneumonia bacteria.¹⁰

If your doctor advise you to get a pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine, you can get it done at any time of the year.¹⁰

Photo credit: Frank Meriño @ Pexels

Don’t Wait To Get Immunized

Pneumonia can be deadly even if you receive great medical care, so you are still encouraged to get vaccinated to prevent pneumococcal infection.¹¹

To prevent lengthy pneumonia recovery times or potentially fatal pneumonia infections^12,13, immunization remains an essential component to protect yourself and those around you.¹⁴

Your wellbeing should always be your foremost priority, so don’t delay getting vaccinated against this disease.

Don’t wait until it’s too late, speak to a doctor today.

Disclaimer:

The health information contained herein is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace discussions with a healthcare provider. All decisions regarding patient care must be made with a healthcare provider, considering the unique characteristics of the patient.

For Pfizer terms of use click here: Terms of Use | Pfizer – Breakthroughs That Change Patients’ Lives

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