13-valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV13)

Details

What is Pneumococcus?

Pneumococcus (Streptococcus pneumoniae, or S. pneumoniae) is the most common bacterium causing respiratory infections in children. It can cause a wide range of infections from bronchitis, otitis media, sinusitis, pneumonia, septicaemia to meningitis. In Hong Kong, about 20% of pre-school children carry the bacterium in their nasopharynx. Invasive disease (pneumonia, septicaemia or meningitis) happens in 1.2/1,000 of the population. Incidence for less invasive disease is likely to be at least 10 times higher. The young and the old are the most vulnerable groups, both in morbidity and mortality. So this is a serious cause of infection for all ages.

Pneumococcal pneumonia is also recognized as an important complication of Influenza infection.

How do I choose the vaccines?

There are over 90 different serotypes of Pneumococcus. The 13-valent vaccine (Prevenar 13) is the vaccine now recommended for not only for children, but for all adults as well. Furthermore, children who have received the older-generation 7-valent Prevenar can receive booster or continuing doses of Prevenar 13.

The 23-valent vaccine (Pneumo23) has a lower efficacy than Prevenar 13. It covers an additional 10 serotypes that are not covered by Prevenar 13. The vaccine authorities now recommend for groups at risk of invasive pneumococcal disease, such as persons aged 65 or above, chronic illness patients and the immunocompromised, for a broader coverage of serotypes.

The vaccines are given in 1 to 4 doses depending on the age of recipient and individual vaccine history. Please consult our doctors for details.

What are the side effects of pneumococcal vaccines?

Swelling of injection site, fever, decreased appetite : 15-20%

Other serious side effects : rare

For more details see https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/pneumo/index.html