Pneumococci vaccine

Pneumococci – symptoms and treatment

Pneumococci are a type of bacteria that most frequently cause infections such as pneumonia, ear infections, and sinus infections, but also more serious illnesses such as blood poisoning and meningitis. The infection can affect people of all ages, but the youngest and oldest, as well as people with other underlying illnesses, are especially vulnerable. Transmission occurs through close droplet transmission (such as coughing, sneezing, and the like) from person to person. Both carriers and clinically ill people can be a source for the spread of infection.

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Symptoms of pneumococci

The symptoms will vary depending on where the infection has settled.

The most common localization is in the lungs. This will cause symptoms with:

High fever
Stinging chest pain
Reap
Heavy breath

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How to prevent pneumococci?

There are effective vaccines against the disease.

Pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for:

All persons over the age of 65.
People who use medication or have a disease that weakens the immune system. The vaccine is also recommended for people at risk of developing serious disease.
Professional groups with a higher risk of infection, e.g. laboratory personnel.

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Treatment of pneumococcal disease

Penicillin is the first choice of treatment when it comes to pneumonia.

Those who develop severe pneumococcal disease are hospitalized, often in the intensive care unit, and the mortality rate is high. The most effective preventive measure is vaccination.

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How can Dr. Dropin help you?

Through a self-service prescription, you can get a prescription for the pneumococcal vaccine, and take it in one of our partner pharmacies. The price for a prescription is NOK 295, as well as around NOK 200 for setting the vaccine. You can read more about vaccination in pharmacies here.

We do not have the pneumococcal vaccine available in our clinics, but after ordering a prescription you can also choose to have it taken in a clinic for NOK 795.

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Frequently asked questions about pneumococcal vaccine

Category:

Which vaccine is offered for pneumococcal infection?

For the elderly, the vaccine Pneumovax is recommended.
Children are vaccinated with a separate pneumococcal vaccine through the child vaccination program.

How long does the pneumococcal vaccine last?

It is recommended to top up with a new vaccine (booster) every 5 years to maintain the antibody level in the blood and hence the effect of the vaccine.

Can I take the pneumococcal vaccine at the same time as other vaccines, for example against influenza and corona?

Pneumococcal and influenza vaccines can be given at the same time, but they should be given in separate arms. A week should elapse between the corona vaccine and the pneumococcal vaccine.

What side effects can one expect from the pneumococcal vaccine?

The most common are local symptoms with tenderness and redness at the injection site itself. Some people may feel feverish on the first day. Allergic reactions occur rarely.

What are vaccines and how do they work?

Vaccines are biological products that train the immune system to recognize and fight specific diseases. They usually contain parts of pathogens or weakened pathogens to stimulate the immune response.

Why are vaccines important?

Vaccines protect both the individual being vaccinated and society as a whole by reducing the incidence of disease and helping to achieve herd immunity.

What are the most common vaccines given to children?

In Norway, the most common vaccines given to children include vaccines against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, Hib infections, pneumococci, measles, mumps, rubella and HPV.

What are the most common side effects of vaccines?

Common side effects of vaccines include mild reactions such as fever, irritability and pain at the injection site. Serious side effects are rare.

Are vaccines safe?

Yes, vaccines used in Norway undergo extensive testing before they are approved, and are continuously monitored for safety and effectiveness.

Why is it important to follow the vaccination programme?

It is important to follow the vaccination program to ensure that children and society are protected against serious diseases, as well as to achieve high vaccination coverage and herd immunity.

How does herd immunity work and why is it important for vaccination?

Herd immunity is achieved when a large part of the population is vaccinated and thus protected against the disease. This reduces the spread of disease and also protects those who cannot be vaccinated.

How long does immunity last after vaccination?

The duration of immunity after vaccination varies depending on the vaccine and individual factors, but many vaccines provide long-term or lifelong protection.

What is the difference between live attenuated and killed vaccines?

Live attenuated vaccines contain live but weakened viruses or bacteria, while killed vaccines contain dead or inactivated viruses or bacteria.

How do vaccines affect the immune system?

Vaccines stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies against a particular disease, so that it can recognize and fight the pathogen more quickly and effectively upon future exposure.

What is vaccination coverage and why is it important?

Vaccination coverage refers to the proportion of the population that is vaccinated against a particular disease. High vaccination coverage is important to protect society and reduce the spread of disease.

What are vaccine opponents, and what are their arguments?

Vaccine opponents are individuals or groups who oppose vaccination for various reasons, including concerns about side effects, mistrust of the government, or belief in alternative medicine.

How can I find reliable information about vaccines?

Reliable information about vaccines can be found on the websites of public health authorities, such as the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (FHI) , and on the websites of recognized medical organizations such as the WHO and the CDC.

What are the latest vaccines available?

The latest vaccines available (2024) may vary, but some of the latest include vaccines against COVID-19 and other emerging diseases such as dengue and Ebola.

Author: Doctor Maren Sveen

Last updated: 04/05/2023