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What is a pneumococcal vaccine?

A pneumococcal vaccine is an injected medicine that can protect against and often prevent pneumococcal disease.  Pneumococcal disease is caused by a bacterial infection from streptococcus pneumoniae, or pneumococcus. Anyone at any age can get this type of infection. It can cause simple infections, including ear and sinus infections, to more serious infections, such as pneumonia and bloodstream infections. It also can cause tooth or urinary tract infection (UTI).

Adults age 65 or older are amongst the highest risk groups for getting pneumococcal disease. The infection can cause serious illness and even death.

To prevent pneumococcal disease, there are two types of pneumococcal vaccines available in Canada: pneumococcal conjugate vaccines Vaxneuvance® (PNEU-C-15) and Prevnar™20 (PNEU-C-20).   

Health Canada has also recently approved CAPVAXIVE® (PNEU-C-21) for use in Canada. 

What is PNEU-C-20?

PNEU-C-20 protects against 20 different types of bacteria that cause pneumococcal disease. It is recommended for all adults 65 and older. Anyone with certain medical conditions or risk factors may also need this vaccine before age 65. Your healthcare provider can help you decide if this vaccine is right for you.  PNEU-C-20 has been shown to offer greater immune response.

What is PNEU-C-15?

PNEU-C-15 is a vaccine that protects against 15 different types of bacteria that cause pneumococcal disease. Infants and young children usually get 3 doses of Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine: at 2, 4, and 12 months of age.

Path to improved health

Pneumococcal vaccines can protect you against getting pneumonia, which is contagious and spreads from close, person-to-person contact. Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs and can lead to many symptoms, including:

• cough
• fever
• difficulty breathing
• chills
• chest pains
• bringing up mucus when you cough

For seniors, pneumonia can be very serious and life-threatening. This is especially true if you have a chronic condition, such as diabetes or COPD. Pneumonia can also develop after you’ve had a case of the flu or a respiratory virus. It is extremely important to stay current on flu shots each year in addition to your pneumococcal vaccines.

While PNEU-C-20 and PNEU-C-15 do not protect against all types of pneumonia, they can make it less likely that you will experience severe — and possibly life-threatening — complications from the illness.

Things to consider

It is important to talk with your healthcare provider before getting any vaccine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have had an allergic reaction to vaccines in the past or if you have any severe allergies. You should also tell them if you are feeling sick. People with minor illnesses, such as a cold, can still be vaccinated. But if you are moderately or severely ill, your healthcare provider may want you to wait until you feel better before getting a vaccine.

If you see signs of a severe allergic reaction after you leave your healthcare provider’s office, call 911 and go to the hospital immediately.