Vaccination against pneumococcal infection

Vaccination from pneumococcal infection is considered the main means to help prevent the development of diseases resulting from the entry into the body of the corresponding bacterium. A person can develop pneumonia, meningitis, or even have a blood infection. All these ailments require hospitalization. The neglected form of the disease will lead to dangerous complications, and in some cases even lethal.

Vaccination against pneumococcal infection

Pneumococcus is considered to be part of the normal microflora of the upper part of the human respiratory system. It is believed that up to 70% of people on the planet are carriers of one or even several types of bacteria of this genus. In individuals who are often in a group (in kindergarten, school, at work), the level of carrier is considered to be the maximum. All kinds of pneumococci are potentially dangerous, but severe diseases cause only about two dozen species.

Vaccinations against this infection have been prescribed since childhood. Most people get immunity two weeks after the injection. It operates from three to five years. Adults, according to their wishes, can receive vaccination every five years from pneumococcus, based on polysaccharide. It is able to protect a person from 23 variants of bacteria.

What is the name for the vaccine against pneumococcal infection for adults?

In total there are four main vaccinations that are used to vaccinate people against this infection. For adults, Pnevmo-23, which was developed in France, is more suitable. The drug contains purified capsular polysaccharides, so a complete infection in the blood does not come. This vaccine is considered most relevant for adults and the elderly. In addition, it is recommended to individuals with a high risk of contracting pneumococcal infection. These include individuals: with neurological diseases and diabetes mellitus; often falling into the hospital, with cardiac or respiratory failure.

This vaccine is used in most parts of Europe, and in some it is even provided free of charge to older people with chronic ailments.

Can I get a vaccine against pneumococcal infection?

Vaccination from pneumococcus in no case can lead to infection and the development of the disease. At once it is necessary to specify, that all there are about 90 kinds of pneumococcus. The vaccines do not save the rest of the bacteria. In this case, some varieties of bacteria are immune to antibiotics , so vaccination is especially important.

Pneumo-23 is currently considered effective against most pneumococci that are resistant to penicillin. After vaccination, the incidence of respiratory disease is reduced by half, bronchitis - ten times, and pneumonia - in six.

Some believe that the body is able to develop protection against infection, and vaccination will only prevent it. Since the drug does not contain the bacteria themselves, it also affects the immune system only positively. But the refusal of medication can lead to infection and complications.

Response to vaccination of pneumococcal infection

As a rule, no side symptoms of vaccination in humans are observed. In some cases, there are slight slight abnormalities in the body that pass through a day or two. Sometimes it starts to hurt and a red circle forms at the point of penetration of the needle under the skin. In rare cases, vaccination from pneumococcal infection can raise the temperature, there may be pain in the joints and muscles. Usually it also passes a few days after the injection.