Pneumococcal Vaccine

The pneumococcal vaccines are designed to prevent pneumococcal disease, a serious illness caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Pneumococcal disease can lead to infections in various parts of the body such as the lungs (pneumonia), ear (otitis media), brain (meningitis), and blood (bacteremia), among others.

The symptoms of pneumococcal disease can vary greatly depending on the location of the infection. They might include mild symptoms like low-grade fever, cough, earache, and chest pain, as well as severe symptoms such as confusion or intense headaches.

Varieties of Pneumococcal Vaccines

There are two main types of pneumococcal vaccines:

• Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV13)

• Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (PPSV23)

The PCV13 vaccine offers protection against 13 strains of pneumococcal bacteria that most commonly lead to pneumococcal disease, while the PPSV23 protects against 23 different strains. Administering PCV13 prior to PPSV23 can provide enhanced protection for certain patient groups compared to administering PPSV23 alone.

Eligibility for the Pneumococcal Vaccine

All infants should receive two doses of PCV13 at ages 4 and 6 months, with a booster dose at 12 months. Catch-up vaccination should be given to children who missed previous doses until the age of 59 months. Further details can be obtained from the Singapore National Childhood Immunisation Schedule or your child’s healthcare provider.

For seniors aged 65 years and above, a single dose each of PCV13 and PPSV23 is recommended for lifetime protection.

Please consult your healthcare provider for more detailed information (for example, the number of recommended doses and types of vaccine) for individuals aged 18 years and older with chronic illnesses, such as chronic lung, heart, kidney, or liver diseases and diabetes mellitus, and for persons who are immunocompromised or with other medical conditions, including:

• Cochlear implants or cerebrospinal fluid leaks

• Abnormal spleen function (including conditions such as homozygous sickle cell disease and coeliac syndrome)

Precautions Prior to Pneumococcal Vaccine Administration

Before receiving the pneumococcal vaccine, you should inform your healthcare professional if:

• You have any allergies to this vaccine or its components

• You have a history of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (a rare nerve condition)

• You are pregnant or breastfeeding

Administration of the Pneumococcal Vaccine

The pneumococcal vaccine is administered via injection into a muscle.

For individuals for whom both PCV13 and PPSV23 are recommended and who have not yet received any pneumococcal vaccine, PCV13 should be administered first, followed by PPSV23 at least a year later (or after a minimum interval of 8 weeks) for optimal protection.

Common Side-Effects of the Pneumococcal Vaccine

Some individuals may feel faint after vaccination. It's advised to sit for 15 minutes to avoid fainting. Other common side effects may include soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site, slight headache, body aches or tiredness, fever. These side effects usually resolve on their own within 2 to 3 days. Paracetamol may be taken to help alleviate pain or fever.

Serious Side-Effects of the Pneumococcal Vaccine

Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) are rare but can occur within minutes to a few hours after vaccination.

Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction may include:

• Swelling of the face/eyes/lips/tongue

• Difficulty breathing

• Itchy skin rashes over the entire body

If you experience any of these symptoms, immediately inform your healthcare professional.