The Importance of Pneumonia Vaccination

Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself against pneumonia and its potentially severe consequences. Pneumonia vaccines help your body build immunity to the pathogens most likely to cause this disease, reducing your risk of infection and complications.

At TravelVAX, we offer comprehensive pneumonia vaccination services to safeguard your health, whether you are at home or traveling abroad.

Types of Pneumonia Vaccines

There are two main types of pneumonia vaccines available to protect against pneumococcal pneumonia:

• Prevnar-20 (Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine): Prevnar-20 provides protection against 20 strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae, the bacteria most commonly responsible for pneumococcal pneumonia. This vaccine is effective for people of all ages, particularly young children, older adults, and those with certain health conditions. It is part of the routine childhood vaccination schedule and is recommended for adults 65 and older, as well as individuals with certain chronic health conditions.
• Pneumovax-23 (Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine): Pneumovax-23 covers 23 different strains of pneumococcal bacteria. It is particularly recommended for adults 65 and older and for individuals aged 19-64 who have certain risk factors, such as chronic lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, or a weakened immune system. Individuals who receive the Prevnar-20 vaccination do not need to receive Pneumovax-23, as the invasive strains in Pneumovax-23 are covered by Prevnar-20.

Adverse Reactions Associated with the Pneumonia Vaccine

The pneumonia vaccine is generally well-tolerated. Common adverse effects include local soreness, redness, swelling at the injection site, and systemic fever.

Our experienced, friendly team at TravelVAX is dedicated to providing high-quality healthcare services to keep you safe.

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Who Should Get Vaccinated?

Pneumonia vaccination is recommended for:

• Infants and Young Children: As part of their routine childhood vaccinations in B.C.
• Adults 65 and Older: This age group is at higher risk for pneumonia and its complications.

Individuals with Chronic Health Conditions: Those with conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, or weakened immune systems should receive the vaccine.