Peace of Mind: Get Vaccinated Against Pneumococcal Disease in Singapore

13 January, 2025 Atlas Associates Clinic by Dr. Atlas Associates Clinic Atlas Associates Clinic All

When you think of long-term health, it’s important to know that it’s not just about living a healthy lifestyle in the present. Taking proactive steps to protect yourself against future health risks is also crucial.

An important way to do this is to get vaccinated against serious but preventable diseases, such as pneumococcal disease. This disease is caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria that can infect the lungs, ears, sinuses, and bloodstream. As such, getting a pneumococcal vaccine in Singapore is one of the most effective ways to prevent this potentially serious disease. Let us dive into the importance of getting vaccinated.

Understanding Pneumococcal Disease

What is Pneumococcal Disease?

Pneumococcal disease is a potentially serious illness caused by the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. These bacteria can lead to various types of infections:

  • Pneumonia: A lung infection that causes difficulty breathing, coughing, fever, and chest pain.
  • Otitis media (ear infection): A middle-ear infection that can cause earache, fever, and temporary hearing loss.
  • Meningitis: An infection of the lining surrounding the brain and spinal cord, leading to severe headaches, stiff neck, and sensitivity to light.
  • Bacteraemia: A bloodstream infection that can spread the bacteria to other body parts.
  • Sinusitis: An infection of the sinus cavities, causing facial pain, headaches, and nasal congestion.

Pneumococcal infections can range from mild to life-threatening, making vaccination an essential preventive measure, especially for those at higher risk, such as young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms of Pneumococcal Disease

Symptoms of pneumococcal disease typically manifest within 1 to 3 days after infection. The specific symptoms can vary depending on the site of infection in the body:

  • For pneumonia: fever, cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain
  • For otitis media: ear pain, fever, and temporary hearing loss
  • For meningitis: severe headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, confusion, and nausea
  • For bacteremia: fever, chills, and low alertness
  • For sinusitis: facial pain, headache, nasal congestion, and fever

Some common signs to watch out for include fever, cough, ear pain, chest discomfort, confusion, and severe headaches. It’s crucial to seek prompt medical attention if you or a loved one experiences these symptoms, as pneumococcal disease can rapidly progress and become life-threatening without proper treatment.

Available Pneumococcal Vaccines in Singapore

 There are different types of pneumococcal vaccines available in Singapore to help protect against diseases caused by the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. The two main types of pneumococcal vaccines are the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) and the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23). 

 

Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV13)

Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (PPSV23)

How many strains does it protect against?

13 strains

23 strains (this includes the 13 strains PCV13 covers)

What do the strains include?

1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19A, 19F, and 23F

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 8, 9N, 9V, 10A, 11A, 12F, 14, 15B, 17F, 18C, 19A, 19F, 20, 22F, 23F and 33F

For certain individuals, such as those with compromised immune systems or chronic medical conditions, successively receiving both the PCV13 and PPSV23 vaccines can provide enhanced protection against pneumococcal disease. The PCV13 vaccine is typically administered first, followed by the PPSV23 vaccine at least 8 weeks later. This combination approach aims to stimulate a stronger immune response and broaden the coverage against a wider range of pneumococcal strains.

Who Should Receive the Pneumococcal Vaccine?

Who Should Receive the Pneumococcal Vaccine?

From infants to adults, certain groups are at higher risk of pneumococcal disease and should consider getting vaccinated:

1. Infants and Children 

Infants and young children are particularly vulnerable to pneumococcal disease, so it’s crucial to follow the recommended vaccination schedule. The PCV13 vaccine is typically administered in a series of four doses:

  • The first dose at 4 months old
  • The second dose at 6 months old
  • The third dose at 12 months old (booster)
  • An additional booster dose at 15-18 months old

Adhering to this schedule helps ensure optimal protection against the 13 pneumococcal strains covered by the PCV13 vaccine.

If a child misses any of the scheduled doses, it’s essential to get them caught up on their vaccinations as soon as possible. Catch-up vaccinations are vital for maintaining immunity and minimising the risk of contracting pneumococcal disease. Healthcare providers can provide guidance on the appropriate catch-up schedule based on the child’s age and previous vaccination history.

2. Seniors

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all adults 65 years and older receive one dose of the PCV13 vaccine, followed by one dose of the PPSV23 vaccine at least 8 weeks later. This combination strategy provides robust, lifelong protection against most pneumococcal strains that pose a significant threat to older adults, whose immune systems may be weakened due to age or underlying health conditions.

3. Adults with Health Conditions

Adults with certain chronic conditions are at a higher risk of developing pneumococcal disease and should consider getting vaccinated.

  • Diabetes
  • Asthma
  • Heart disease
  • Chronic lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or emphysema
  • Liver diseases, including cirrhosis
  • Kidney diseases, including nephrotic syndrome and renal failure

Additionally, individuals with the following medical conditions are also more susceptible to pneumococcal disease:

  • Cochlear implants
  • Cerebrospinal fluid leaks
  • Abnormal spleen function or lack of a spleen (asplenia)

These chronic and special medical conditions can weaken the immune system or increase the risk of pneumococcal infection, making vaccination essential for protection against this potentially life-threatening disease.

Precautions Before Getting Vaccinated

Before receiving the pneumococcal vaccine, it is crucial to inform your healthcare provider about any allergies you may have, particularly to medications, vaccines, or their components. Additionally, disclose any previous adverse reactions you have experienced after receiving vaccines.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, discuss the potential benefits and risks of the pneumococcal vaccine with your healthcare provider to make an informed decision.

It is also essential to mention if you have ever been diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), a rare disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks the nerves. Although the risk of developing GBS after receiving the pneumococcal vaccine is shallow, informing your healthcare provider about this condition is a precautionary measure.

The Vaccination Process

The pneumococcal vaccine is administered via an intramuscular injection, typically in the upper arm or thigh muscle. For individuals who require both the PCV13 (Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine) and PPSV23 (Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine) vaccines, it is recommended to receive the PCV13 vaccine first, followed by the PPSV23 vaccine after a recommended interval of at least 8 weeks. 

This sequential vaccination strategy provides optimal protection against pneumococcal disease by priming the immune system with the PCV13 vaccine and then boosting it with the broader coverage of the PPSV23 vaccine.

Common and Rare Side Effects

Like with any vaccine, the pneumococcal vaccine may cause some side effects after administration.

Common Side Effects

Common side effects of the pneumococcal vaccine include:

  • Soreness, redness, and swelling at the injection site
  • Mild headaches
  • Body aches
  • Fatigue
  • Fever

These side effects are typically mild and resolve within a few days. To help alleviate any discomfort, you can take paracetamol as needed to relieve pain or fever.

Severe Side Effects

Severe but rare side effects of the pneumococcal vaccine may include:

  • Facial swelling
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Widespread rash or hives

If you experience any of these severe reactions after receiving the pneumococcal vaccine, seek immediate medical attention. These rare side effects could indicate a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction and prompt medical consultation is crucial for proper evaluation and treatment.

Conclusion

In summary, the importance of pneumococcal vaccination for protecting against severe infections like pneumonia, meningitis, and bacteremia cannot be overstated. The benefits of vaccination far outweigh any potential risks. By taking a proactive step and getting vaccinated, you can significantly reduce your chances of suffering from invasive pneumococcal disease and gain peace of mind.

Getting vaccinated is an easy and effective way to take control of your health and ensure continued well-being for you and your loved ones. So, take the first step and book your pneumococcal vaccination at Atlas Associates Clinic

Secure your health and well-being today and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with vaccination against pneumococcal disease.