As the peak season for viral infections arrives in the fall, the prevalence of pneumonia also increases.
Fortunately, there are vaccinations available that can help combat this dangerous respiratory disease. But who should receive them?
Pneumococcal Vaccine
Pneumococcal disease is any infection caused by the pneumococcus bacteria, including ear and sinus infections, bloodstream infections and pneumonia. Among other symptoms, the infection can cause severe chest pain and difficulty breathing.
“Symptoms that lead to poor lung function can be especially dangerous for infants, seniors, smokers and those with certain chronic health conditions, such as asthma, COPD, diabetes and heart disease,” said Kanthi C. Narra, MD, MPH, a specialist in family, geriatric and hospital medicine at Lewisburg Family Practice.
There are two kinds of vaccines recommended in the U.S. to help prevent pneumococcal disease: pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV15 and PCV20) and the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23).
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends all children younger than 5 years old receive the PCV15 (Vaxneuvance®) or PCV20 (Prevnar 20®) vaccine. Generally, they receive one dose at ages 2 months, 4 months, 6 months and 12-15 months, for a total of four doses. Children who miss their vaccines at the recommended ages can start the series later, and the intervals between doses may depend on the child’s age.
The CDC also recommends all adults ages 65 years of age or older receive either the PCV15 or PCV20 vaccine, and if PCV15 is used, it should be followed by PPSV23 the following year.
“Those older than 5 or younger than 65 may also be recommended to receive a pneumococcal vaccine if they have certain risk factors,” Dr. Narra said.
RSV, flu & COVID-19 vaccines
The most common viruses that cause pneumonia are respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza and COVID-19. Luckily, there are vaccines available for all three this fall that are recommended by the CDC.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the first time approved two RSV vaccines for adults 60 and older this spring, then followed shortly after with approval for pregnant women. The FDA also approved nirsevimab, a one-dose, long-acting monoclonal antibody, for all infants 8 months or younger entering their first RSV season.
Updated COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna are also available this fall and recommended for everyone 5 years of age and older who haven’t received a COVID-19 vaccine in the past two months. Children 6 months to 4 years of age need multiple doses to be up to date.
As usual, the flu vaccine is recommended this fall for everyone 6 month of age and older with rare exceptions.
Maury Regional Health suggests discussing recommended vaccinations with your health care provider.
“Vaccinations remain our best tool to prevent pneumonia and some of its common causes. If you haven’t received recommended vaccinations this fall, discuss your eligibility with your health care provider,” Dr. Narra said.
Kanthi C. Narra, MD, MPH