Author: Care Online
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“People aged 65 and older can receive the publicly funded pneumococcal Streptococcus vaccine!” Dr. Yu-Ting Cao of the Department of Family Medicine, North Nursing Branch, National Taiwan University Hospital pointed out, “In order to enhance the protection of the elderly and avoid serious complications caused by infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae, the publicly funded Streptococcus pneumoniae vaccine is available. The vaccination target has been broadened from 71 to 65 years old, and the 13-valent conjugated pneumococcal vaccine (PCV13) has been included. Everyone must quickly take their elders at home to medical institutions for vaccination!” Dr. Cao Yuting explained that Streptococcus pneumoniae can lurk in the nasal cavity. , and is transmitted through droplets. Many people are originally in a healthy state of carrying bacteria, but when their immunity is weakened, Streptococcus pneumoniae will take advantage of the situation and cause infection. For example, after being infected with the influenza virus, Streptococcus pneumoniae may appear. Secondary Streptococcus pneumoniae infection.
Streptococcus pneumoniae infection may cause fever, cough, wheezing, nausea, chest pain, headache and other symptoms. Dr. Cao Yuting said that if Streptococcus pneumoniae invades the blood and causes bacteremia, it will invade various organs and evolve into “invasive pneumococcal infection (IPD)”, which may cause pneumonia, otitis media, meningitis, arthritis, and osteomyelitis. , pericarditis, peritonitis, sepsis and other serious complications, which are life-threatening.
Cases of Streptococcus pneumoniae infection occur throughout the year, but winter and spring are the peak seasons. Streptococcus pneumoniae infection occurs most commonly in crowded institutions such as nursing homes and nurseries. Advertisement (Please continue reading this article)
Invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae infection more commonly occurs in infants and young children under 5 years old and elderly people over 65 years old. Dr. Cao Yuting shared that according to statistics from 2019 to 2022, people over 65 years old accounted for 45.4% of confirmed cases of invasive pneumococcal infection. Compared with other age groups, people over the age of 65 have a higher hospitalization rate, may need to be admitted to an intensive care unit, and have a higher mortality rate.
Therefore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has relaxed the vaccination age for publicly funded pneumococcal vaccines to 65 years old. In addition to relaxing the age for publicly funded pneumococcal vaccines to 65 years old, the 13-valent conjugated pneumococcal vaccine (PCV13) is now also included. Dr. Cao Yuting said that Streptococcus pneumoniae can be divided into more than 92 serotypes, and about 30 serotypes can cause infection in humans. Therefore, Streptococcus pneumoniae vaccines are produced for the more common serotypes, such as the 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine. Can prevent 23 serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Currently, Taiwan has 13-valent conjugate vaccine (PCV13) and 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23), both of which are inactivated vaccines. Dr. Cao Yuting said that according to research, vaccination with the 13-valent conjugate vaccine (PCV13) first and then the 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23) can produce better protection.
Starting from October 2023, the public-funded pneumococcal vaccination for the elderly will be relaxed for those over 65 years old. It is recommended that eligible people receive the pneumococcal vaccine on time to enhance protection.
The CDC recommends:
◎ People who have never received the pneumococcal vaccine can first receive a dose of the 13-valent conjugate vaccine PCV13, and then receive a dose of the 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine PPV23 after an interval of at least 1 year. For high-risk subjects, the 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine PPV23 can be vaccinated at least 8 weeks after vaccination with the 13-valent conjugate vaccine PCV13.
◎ People who have been vaccinated with the 13-valent conjugate vaccine PCV13 (or PCV15) can receive another dose of the 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine PPV23 after an interval of at least 1 year. For high-risk subjects, the 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine PPV23 can be vaccinated at least 8 weeks after vaccination with the 13-valent conjugate vaccine PCV13.
◎ People who have been vaccinated with the 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine PPV23 can receive another dose of the 13-valent conjugated vaccine PCV13 after an interval of at least 1 year.
Dr. Cao Yuting shared the slogan “Left-side flow, right-side lung” to help people remember that when getting the flu vaccine, you can get the pneumococcal vaccine at different parts at the same time, which can enhance both protections and eliminate the need for an extra trip to the hospital.
In addition to infants and young children under 5 years old and elderly people over 65 years old, there are also some high-risk groups for Streptococcus pneumoniae infection regardless of age. Dr. Cao Yuting said, for example, patients with chronic diseases (including chronic kidney disease, chronic heart disease, chronic lung disease, diabetes, patients with chronic liver disease and cirrhosis, alcoholics, smokers, etc.), spleen dysfunction or splenectomy, congenital Or acquired immune insufficiency (including HIV infection), patients with malignant tumors or organ transplants receiving immunosuppressants or radiotherapy, patients with artificial ear implants, patients with cerebrospinal fluid leakage, etc.
It is recommended that people who meet the profile of high-risk groups actively consult a doctor and evaluate the pneumococcal vaccine at their own expense to enhance their own protection. Dr. Cao Yuting explained that according to research, vaccination with the 13-valent conjugated pneumococcal vaccine (PCV13) can improve one’s own protection, and can also help reduce the nasal carriage rate, thus reducing the chance of transmitting Streptococcus pneumoniae through droplets and protecting those around you. Danger group!
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2024-02-07 03:01:50
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