Pneumococcal Vaccine

What Is the Pneumococcal Vaccine Used For?

Pneumococcal vaccines help to prevent pneumococcal disease caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Pneumococcal disease includes infection of the lungs (pneumonia), ear (otitis media), brain (meningitis), blood (bacteremia) and other serious infections.

Symptoms of pneumococcal disease vary depending on the infected organ. It can range from low-grade fever (less than 38⁰C), cough, earache and chest pain, to more serious symptoms such as confusion or severe headaches.

What Are the Types of Pneumococcal Vaccines Available?

There are 2 types of pneumococcal vaccines available under the Singapore National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS):

1. Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV13, PCV20)
2. Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (PPSV23)

PCV13 vaccine protects against 13 pneumococcal bacteria strains that most commonly cause pneumococcal disease, while the PCV20 protects against an additional seven pneumococcal strains. The PPSV23 vaccine protects against 23 pneumococcal strains. 

Who Should Receive the Pneumococcal Vaccine?

All infants should be given two doses of PCV13 (at ages 4 and 6 months), with a booster at 12 months. Children who fall behind should be given catch-up vaccination through to 59 months of age. You may refer to the Singapore National Childhood Immunisation Schedule or ask your child’s doctor for more details.

In the elderly aged 65 years and above, either one dose of PCV20, or one dose each of PCV13 and PPSV23 is recommended. This choice of vaccination depends on whether you have had previous pneumococcal vaccinations or any medical conditions.

If you are an adult with the following medical conditions, it may be recommended that you take this vaccination before 65 years old: 
   ●    Chronic medical conditions, such as chronic lung, heart, kidney or liver diseases and diabetes mellitus
   ●    Persons who are immunocompromised (having lower body resistance to infections) or with other medical                conditions, such as persons with:
              ○ Cochlear implants or cerebrospinal fluid leaks; 
              ○ Abnormal spleen function (including conditions such as homozygous sickle cell disease which affects                        your red blood cells, and coeliac syndrome which affects your digestive system)
              ○ Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection
              ○ Cancer 
              ○ Solid organ transplant
              ○ Multiple myeloma (a type of bone marrow cancer)

You may refer to the Singapore National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS) for more information.

Click here to book a pneumococcal vaccination appointment.

What Precautions Should I Follow Before Receiving the Pneumococcal Vaccine?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this vaccine or any of the other ingredients of this vaccine
• You have a history of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (a rare nerve condition)
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding
• You have a history of bleeding disorders or low platelet counts
• You are currently on any blood thinners such as Warfarin
• You are currently not feeling well and have a fever

How Is the Pneumococcal Vaccine Given?

It is usually given by injection into a muscle.

For adults recommended for pneumococcal vaccination under the NAIS, they can either: 
     (1) receive one dose of PCV20, or 
     (2) receive one dose of PCV13 

• in addition, you may also receive one or more doses of PPSV23

If you are receiving both PCV13 and PPSV23 vaccinations, are 65 years and above, and have not received any pneumococcal vaccination before, then you should be given PCV13 first, then PPSV23 one year later (or minimally 8 weeks later). This will give you better protection.

What Are Some Common Side-Effects of the Pneumococcal Vaccine?

• Some people may experience lightheadedness or fainting after the vaccination
  • After your vaccination, get up from your sitting position slowly
  • You may be monitored for the next 15 minutes
• Soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site, slight headache, body aches or tiredness, fever
  • These side effects usually go away on its own within 3 to 4 days
  • You may take Paracetamol to help to relieve the pain or fever

What Are Some Rare but Serious Side-Effects That I Need to Seek Medical Advice Immediately?

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

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

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