Pneumococcal Vaccine

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. The bacteria can be transmitted via spread of droplet, direct oral contact or indirect contact with articles soiled with respiratory discharges. In Hong Kong, the annual incidence of IPD ranged from 1.7 to 2.9 per 100,000. The incidence is higher in children younger than 5 years of age and adults 65 years of age and older. Pneumococcal vaccination is one of the most effective means of preventing pneumococcal diseases. Let’s learn more about vaccine information right away.

Which type of pneumococcal vaccine is more suitable for me?

The following 4 vaccines are all approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA):

	PCV13	PCV15	PCV20	PPSV23
Eligible	6 weeks and above			2 years and above at high risk AND65 years and above
Number of doses	6 weeks to 7months: 3 doses 7 -11 months︰3 doses 12-23 months︰2 doses 2 years and above︰1 dose *Please consult a doctor for high-risk situations.		6 weeks to 23 months: 4 doses 2 years and above: only 1 dose is needed	Normal︰1 dose ** High-risk situations ︰A single dose may be required again after 5 years. Please consult a doctor before vaccination.
Prevention	✓ Invasive pneumococcal disease ✓ Non-invasive pneumococcal pneumonia			✓ Invasive pneumococcal disease ✕ Non-invasive pneumococcal pneumonia
Common side effects	Slight swelling and tenderness at the injection site shortly following injection but most resolve within two days. Some may experience mild fever, fatigue, headache, chills, or muscle pain.			Slight swelling and tenderness at the injection site shortly following injection but most resolve within two days. Fever, muscle aches or more severe local reactions are uncommon.
Covered by Vaccination Subsidy Scheme (VSS)	Infant#︰3 doses for free 65 years and above^︰1 dose with subsidy	65 years and above^︰1 dose with subsidy	Not applicable	65 years and above^︰1 dose with subsidy