Pneumococcus
Pneumococcal disease is an infection caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae, sometimes referred to as pneumococcus. Ppneumonia, is a lung infection. Many different bacteria, viruses, and even fungi can cause pneumonia. Pneumococcus is one of the most common causes of severe pneumonia.
Anyone can get pneumococcal disease, but some people are at greater risk than others. Being of a certain age or having certain medical conditions can put you at increased risk for pneumococcal disease.
Children at Risk of Pneumococcal Disease
Children at increased risk for pneumococcal disease include those who:
• Younger than 2 years old
• In group childcare
• Those with certain medical conditions (sickle cell disease, HIV infection, diabetes, life-threatening immune disorders, nephrotic syndrome, or chronic heart, lung, kidney, or liver disease).
• With a cochlear implant or a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak (the leakage of the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord)
Adults at Risk for Pneumococcal Disease
If you are at higher risk of developing pneumococcal disease, talk to your doctor about which pneumococcal vaccine you need and when.
Adults aged 65 or older are at higher risk of developing pneumococcal disease.
Some adults aged 19 to 64 are also at higher risk of developing pneumococcal disease, including those who:
• With chronic diseases (chronic heart, liver, kidney, or lung diseases [including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, and asthma]; diabetes; or alcoholism)
• In cases where the immune system is compromised (HIV/AIDS, cancer, or a damaged or absent spleen)
• With a cochlear implant or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak (the leakage of fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord) in smokers
Pneumococcal bacteria spread from person to person through direct contact with respiratory secretions, such as saliva or mucus.
The best way to prevent pneumococcal disease is to get vaccinated. There are two types of vaccines:
1. The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13 or Prevnar 13®) protects against 13 types of pneumococcal bacteria that cause most severe illnesses in children and adults.
The PCV13 vaccine is recommended for all children at 2, 4, 6, and 12 to 15 months of age, for adults 19 years of age or older with certain medical conditions, and for all adults 65 years of age or older.
2. The pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23 or Pneumovax 23®) protects against 23 types of pneumococcal bacteria.
This vaccine is for all adults aged 65 and older. It is also recommended for children and adults aged 2 to 64 who are in increased risk for pneumococcal disease.
