We all know how severe and fatal pneumonia can be for humans. It is usually a lower respiratory disease where the mucus deposits fill up the alveoli sacs and prevent the exchange of gases. As a result, the oxygen level drastically drops in the patient’s body, leading to cardiac arrest and, ultimately, death. The severity of the disease can be lowered with the only option of pneumococcal vaccination.
Many people aren’t yet aware of the pneumococcal vaccine, let alone its benefits, dosage, side effects, eligibility, etc. This is why everyone must understand the concept of this vaccine and get it done right on time. The following article will focus on the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine and the ideal frequency of its administration.
What is a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine?
Several bacteria can lead to pneumococcal disease in people. A pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is administered to protect them from all these microbes at different ages. It is usually made from three different vaccines, which are:
- PCV13
- PCV15
- PCV20
The pneumococcal vaccine consists of weakened or dead bacteria causing the disease. When it is injected inside the bloodstream of a human, the immune system automatically detects the presence of a foreign antigen. As a result, it creates antibodies accordingly and deploys them at the site of infection.
Since the germs are already weakened or in a dead state, the antibodies easily kill them. Either these protective cells remain in the body for a long time, or your immune system learns the characteristics of the pneumococcal germs. If you get the disease again, your body can easily fight against it.
Why is it important to get the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine?
The severity of the pneumococcal disease is not hidden from any of us. We all know how fatal it can be if it is not controlled or treated at the right time. To lower the severity or the risks of death, it is crucial to administer the vaccines right on time and at the appropriate age.
The vaccination will also strengthen your immune system, ensuring you won’t suffer from the same disease again, even if your body comes in contact with the bacteria causing this disease. Apart from this, it can also prevent your child or yourself from sepsis and meningitis. You don’t have to depend on any antibiotic that will be inefficient against the microbes causing these diseases.
When should the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine be administered, and for how many times?
The pneumococcal vaccine is administered at all ages but the initial doses are preferably given to infants or children aged less than 1 year. The PCB 13 vaccines are given four times, with the first dose being at two months of age. After this, the second dose is administered at four months, the third dose is administered at six months, and the final dose is given between 12 to 15 months of age.
If any dose is missed, the same one can be given after two years of age, but only with a pediatric consultation. The PPSV23 vaccine is given to kids about 2 to 18 years old. However, it is only administered when the child is suffering from any chronic health disease like diabetes, immunity due to HIV or cancer, meningitis, renal failure, and so on.
Are there any side effects of taking the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine?
Although there are no fatal side effects of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, there are certain adverse effects you should be aware of. Some of the side effects you should be aware of are:
- Muscle aches, followed by strains in the muscle fibres
- Mild fever
- Stomach ache
- Redness and swelling around the area where the vaccine was given
- Tenderness in muscles
- Loss of appetite or a nauseating feeling at the sight of food
- Irritability and fussiness in infants
- Physical tiredness with lethargy
- Occasional shivering or chills
- Allergic reactions throughout the body can range from mild to severe
Conclusion
As infants are at higher risk of suffering from pneumococcal diseases, you should get the pneumococcal vaccination at the right time according to the dosage your paediatrician suggested. If you miss any dose or have any further confusion, connect with your doctor to have a deeper insight into the vaccine and its side effects.
