PNEUMOCOCCAL VACCINE:
Pneumococcal vaccine provides immunity against some strains of a bacteria called Streptococcus Pneumonia which can cause a wide range of infection. It can cause mild symptoms like earache, cough, severe chest infection, infection of the coatings of the brain known as meningitis and diseases involving other body systems. The infection caused by streptococcus can be treated with appropriate antibiotics. The infection can easily spread from person to person through coughing, sneezing and close contact.
There two vaccines available for Pneumococcal infections
Prevnar 13: given as a single dose, given in adults 18 years and older, for children and young adult kindly follow your local immunization program.
PPSV-23: This vaccine is given as a single dose to adults 64 year and older. In adults 19 through 64 years with certain medical condition. A second dose in this category can be give as per physician orders. Additional doses may be given for patients with certain chronic medical conditions.
Safety instruction: Both pneumococcal vaccines should not be administered together at same time. Follow the guidelines provide to you by your doctor.
If I have taken Pneumoccocal vaccine, can I still develop Pneumonia?
Yes, both Prevnar 13 and PPSV23 provides protection against certain strains of Streptococcus Pneumonia, which are common in our community. There are however many others microorganism which can cause Pneumonia in an individual at any stage of life.
Should you or anyone you know need additional information please contact The Chest Clinic-Dr. Javed Husain & Associates. Dr. Javed Husain is the lead pulmonologist & critical care intensivist at The Chest Clinic in Karachi. Dr. Javed Husain is a US trained and United States Board Certified specialist in Pulmonary Medicine, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine. He has over 20 years of experience dealing with patients with bronchitis, emphysema, asthma, lung infections, lung cancers and all types of chest and lung diseases. Dr. Javed is licensed to practice as a chest specialist both in the United States as well as in Pakistan. If you or anyone you know needs help to quit smoking within a safe and skilled environment, please call The Chest Clinic for an appointment to see Dr. Javed Husain. Both in person and online consultations are possible by calling +92301 8479066 or via our website at www.thechestclinic.pk to set up an appointment. At The Chest Clinic we understand the value of expert, timely, ethical, compassionate care and strive to provide the highest quality care to every patient, every single time.