Pneumonia Vaccination
Pneumonia is a serious infection that can affect people of all ages, but it is particularly dangerous for older adults and those with weakened immune systems. One of the best ways to protect yourself against pneumonia is by getting vaccinated with a pneumococcal vaccine.
What is a pneumococcal vaccine?
A pneumococcal vaccine is a type of vaccine that is designed to protect against pneumococcal disease, which is caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae.
There are two types of pneumococcal vaccines:
- pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13, marketed as Prevnar 13) and
- pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23, marketed as Pneumovax 23).
How does the pneumococcal vaccine work?
The pneumococcal vaccine works by helping your body develop immunity to the bacteria that cause pneumococcal disease. The vaccine contains small pieces of the bacteria, which stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies that can recognize and attack the bacteria if you are exposed to it in the future.
Who should get a pneumococcal vaccine?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all adults 65 years of age and older should receive a pneumococcal vaccine, as well as adults aged 19-64 who have certain health conditions that put them at increased risk for pneumococcal disease. Children under the age of 2 and individuals with certain medical conditions are also recommended to receive the vaccine.
Prevnar 12 vs Pneumovax 23
| Prevnar 13 | Pneumovax 23 | |
|---|---|---|
| Type of vaccine | Conjugate | Polysaccharide |
| Number of strains protected against | 13 | 23 |
| Recommended for | Children under 2, adults aged 65+, and adults aged 19-64 with certain health conditions | Adults aged 65+ and adults aged 19-64 with certain health conditions |
Note: This table is meant to provide a brief overview and should not be used as a substitute for medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare provider or call our pharmacist on duty to determine which vaccine is right for you.
Understanding the Difference Between Prevnar 13 and Pneumovax 23
If you are considering getting vaccinated against pneumococcal disease, you may be wondering which type of vaccine is right for you. At our pharmacy, we offer two types of pneumococcal vaccines: Prevnar 13 and Pneumovax 23. Here’s what you need to know about the differences between these two vaccines.
What is Prevnar 13?
Prevnar 13 is a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine that protects against 13 strains of the bacteria that cause pneumococcal disease. This vaccine is recommended for children under the age of 2, adults aged 65 and older, and adults aged 19-64 who have certain health conditions that put them at increased risk for pneumococcal disease.
What is Pneumovax 23?
Pneumovax 23 is a pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine that protects against 23 strains of the bacteria that cause pneumococcal disease. This vaccine is recommended for adults aged 65 and older, as well as adults aged 19-64 who have certain health conditions that put them at increased risk for pneumococcal disease.
What are the benefits of getting a pneumococcal vaccine?
Getting a pneumococcal vaccine can help prevent you from getting pneumococcal disease, which can cause serious health problems, including pneumonia, meningitis, and blood infections. By getting vaccinated, you can also help protect those around you who may be at increased risk for pneumococcal disease.
What are the side effects of the pneumococcal vaccine?
Most people who receive the pneumococcal vaccine experience no side effects or only mild side effects, such as redness or swelling at the injection site. Rarely, more serious side effects can occur, such as fever, allergic reactions, or seizures.
How Our Pharmacy Can Help You Get Vaccinated Against Pneumonia
At A&P Pharmacy, we believe in the importance of preventive care, which is why we offer a range of vaccination services, including vaccinations against pneumonia. If you’re looking to get vaccinated against this potentially serious respiratory infection, here’s how we can help.
- Providing Access to Vaccines
A&P Pharmacy offers both Prevnar 13 and Pneumovax 23, the two vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for protecting against pneumococcal disease. By providing access to these vaccines, we make it easy for you to get vaccinated against pneumonia at a time that is convenient for you.
- Education and Counseling
A&P Pharmacists are trained and knowledgeable about the vaccines we offer, and can provide you with information about the benefits and risks of getting vaccinated against pneumonia. They can also answer any questions you may have about the vaccines, and help you understand which vaccine is right for you based on your individual health status and vaccination history.
- Immunization Services
Our pharmacists are fully trained and certified to administer pneumonia vaccination, which means that you can get vaccinated against pneumonia right in our pharmacy. Our immunization services are quick and convenient, and our pharmacists will make sure you are comfortable and informed throughout the process.
- Reminders and Follow-up
We understand that it can be easy to forget when it’s time to get vaccinated against pneumonia, which is why we offer reminders and follow-up services. Our pharmacy team will work with you to develop a schedule for your vaccinations, and will send you reminders when it’s time to come in for your next dose. We will also keep track of your vaccination history and make sure you are up-to-date on all of your vaccinations.
Getting vaccinated against pneumonia is an important step in protecting your health, and our pharmacy is here to help. Whether you’re looking for access to vaccines, information and counseling, immunization services, or reminders and follow-up, our pharmacy team is committed to providing you with the support you need to stay healthy. Come visit us today to learn more about how we can help you get vaccinated against pneumonia.