Is there a vaccine for Pneumonia?

Pneumococcal vaccines | @healthbiztips

Pneumococcal vaccines

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan | health blog

Pneumococcal vaccines are available to prevent people from contracting pneumonia or lower it's severity should a vaccinated individual get sick with it.

There are two types of pneumococcal vaccines available:

1. PCV13 (pneumococcal conjugate vaccine)

2. PPSV23 (pneumococcal polysaccharide)

Since pneumonia is fatal to the young and the old because of their weak immune system, it is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that children less than 2 years of age and people 65 years of age or older be given vaccine as a preventive measure against pneumonia. Furthermore, those with underlying health condition which makes them vulnerable are also encouraged to have a pneumonia shot.

What is pneumonia?

Pneumonia is an infection of the lung caused by microbes such as bacteria, fungi, or viruses, causing the air sacs of the lungs to be filled up with fluid or pus. A person infected with pneumonia may present with symptoms of fever, cough, fever, difficulty breathing, chest pain, loss of appetite, and fatigue.