Pneumonia is a bacterial chest infection that is highly contagious and can often be fatal. It would be best if you got your pneumococcal vaccination to protect yourself from contracting a severe chest infection. The recommended dosages vary with age and fitness and should be verified with a travel clinic before an international trip. Continue reading for insight into the pneumococcal vaccine schedule for adults in Worcester and how to book your jab.
The bacterium Streptococcus is the most common cause of pneumonia and the most common opportunistic infection worldwide. These infections can lead to serious complications, such as meningitis, influenza, or septicemia. Therefore, it is crucial that everyone, including children and adults, get the required pneumococcal vaccine as early as possible.
What are the common types of pneumococcal vaccines in Worcester?
There are two main types of pneumococcal vaccine:
- Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV13, PCV15, and PCV20)
- Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23).
The pneumococcal vaccine schedule as per CDC recommendations is as follows:
- PCV13 vaccination is strongly suggested for children younger than 2 years old and children aged 2-18 (with specific medical issues).
- PCV15 or PCV20 can be administered to adults aged 65 and up or those aged 19 to 64 who suffer from certain medical disorders.
- Meanwhile, it is advised that adults aged 19 and over who receive a PCV15 dose also receive a PPSV23 dose.
In Worcester, how often should adults get the pneumococcal vaccine?
Research has found that a single dose of pneumonia vaccine defends you for up to 10 years. However, in certain cases, the effectiveness may wear off sooner than 10 years.
If you are 65 or older, you will require two doses to get lifelong protection.
A single dose of the pneumococcal vaccine is typically sufficient if your age ranges between 2 and 64 years, but you may need up to three shots if you smoke or have specific immune system weaknesses.
Do adults need the pneumococcal vaccine in Worcester?
As a potentially fatal bacterial disease, pneumonia can affect the lungs, the blood, and the brain. The elderly should receive both doses of the vaccine because they are more susceptible to contracting these infections.
The pneumococcal vaccine is inactive, so it contains no living microbes. This indicates a low risk of harm when administered to patients.
The pneumococcal vaccination can provide three to five years of protection.
At what age should older adults receive a pneumococcal vaccine?
- Individuals aged 65 and above will require two vaccinations separated by a year if they have never received a pneumococcal vaccine before.
- You may need a booster dose of pneumococcal vaccination if this is your first time getting vaccinated.
- After reaching the age of 65, you may need a booster shot or two of the pneumococcal vaccine, even if you received it before age 65.
Rare and contagious diseases are more likely to be contracted and spread by international trips. We recommend being vaccinated against pneumonia before departure. Contact our Worcester Travel Clinic today to get a free consultation or book an appointment.
