Pneumococcus can be transmitted through respiratory droplets and is often found in the human nasal cavity. While pneumococcal infections are common in young children, elderly individuals face a higher risk of severe illness and death. This bacterium can lead to various diseases, including otitis media and pneumonia. Additionally, it can also cause severe and sometimes fatal invasive pneumococcal diseases such as meningitis and septicaemia.
Symptoms of the diseases depend on the site of infection:
- Otitis Media: Symptoms may include fever, ear pain, and ear discharge, with repeated infections potentially leading to hearing impairment.
- Pneumonia: Symptoms may include fever, shortness of breath, chills, and productive cough, with severe cases possibly being fatal.
- Meningitis: Symptoms may include fever, neck stiffness, and confusion, potentially causing long-term hearing impairment and even death.
- Septicaemia and Bacteraemia: Symptoms may include joint pain and chills, with the possibility of simultaneous infections in other parts of the body, such as the lungs and meninges.
One of the best methods for preventing pneumococcal infections is vaccination.
Comparison of Pneumococcal vaccines
| Vaccine | Prevenar 13 (PCV13) | Vaxneuvance 15 (PCV15) | Prevenar 20 (PCV20) | PNEUMOVAX 23 (PPVS23) |
| Manufacturer | Pfizer | MSD | Pfizer | MSD |
| Prevention of serotypes | 13 serotypes (1、3、4、5、6A、6B、7F、9V、14、18C、19A、19F、23F） | 15 serotypes (1、3、4、5、6A、6B、7F、9V、14、18C、19A、19F、22F、23F、33F) | 20 serotypes (1、3、4、5、6A、6B、7F、8、9V、10A、11A、12F、14、15B、18C、19A、19F、22F、23F、33F) | 23 serotypes (1、2、3、4、5、6B、7F、8、9N、9V、10A、11A、12F、14、15B、17F、18C、19F、19A、20、22F、23F、33F) |
| Technology | Conjugate vaccine, combining pneumococcal polysaccharides with proteins to enhance immunogenicity. | Conjugate vaccine, combining pneumococcal polysaccharides with proteins to enhance immunogenicity. | Conjugate vaccine, combining pneumococcal polysaccharides with proteins to enhance immunogenicity. | Polysaccharide vaccine |
| Key Features | PCV13 is the most widely used pneumococcal conjugate vaccine and has been incorporated into immunization programs in many countries worldwide. | PCV15 utilizes an advanced conjugate vaccine technology that promotes immune memory, which is particularly effective against prevalent pneumococcal strains in Hong Kong and China. It is especially beneficial for infants and individuals with weaker immune systems. | PCV20 uses advanced conjugate vaccine technology to promote immune memory, enhance immune response, and provide long-lasting protection. It is currently the only pneumococcal vaccine on the market that does not require booster doses. As the pneumococcal vaccine covers the broadest range of serotypes, PCV20 is recommended as the preferred vaccine in several developed countries, such as Canada and Spain. | PPSV23 is currently the polysaccharide vaccine that covers the broadest range of serotypes. However, it does not induce the formation of immune memory cells, so its protective effect is not as long-lasting as that of conjugate vaccines. |
| Appropriate | 6 weeks or above | 6 weeks or above | 6 weeks or above | 2 years or above |
| Protection | Antibodies begin to decline after approximately 10 years (High-risk individuals are recommended to vaccinate PPSV23 after one year) | Antibodies typically last for 10 years at least (High-risk individuals are recommended to vaccinate PPSV23 after one year) | Antibodies begin to decline after approximately 10 years (High-risk individuals are recommended to vaccinate PPSV23 after one year) | Antibodies typically last for about 4-7 years (High-risk individuals are recommended to vaccinate PCV13/15/20 after one year) |
| Year introduced | 2010 | 2022 | 2023 | 1979 |
| Recommendation | PCV13 is part of Hong Kong's childhood immunization schedule, offering essential protection against infant pneumococcal disease. | PCV15 targets common pneumococcal strains in Hong Kong and China and is approved by the Hong Kong Department of Health for infant immunization. It is also suitable for adults and elderly individuals residing in Hong Kong or China, providing adequate protection against pneumococcal infections. | PCV20 is considered the first choice for protecting against pneumococcal infections due to its broad coverage and long-lasting efficacy. | It is recommended that individuals who have already received the PCV15 or PCV13 vaccines get the PPSV23 as a supplemental antibody boost to achieve better protection. |
| Guidance | Hong Kong: Suitable for individuals of all ages. Mainland China: Limited to children under 6 years old. | Hong Kong: Suitable for individuals of all ages. Mainland China: Not yet introduced. | Hong Kong: Suitable for individuals of all ages. Mainland China: Not yet introduced. | Hong Kong: Suitable for individuals aged 2 years or older. Mainland China: Suitable for individuals aged 50 years or older and high-risk individuals aged 2 years or older. |
*The above information is for reference only. Consult our medical professional for specific recommendations.
Vaccination Services
Pneumococcal Vaccination
The price includes the vaccine price, doctor's consultation fee, and injection fee.
Details
VAXNEUVANCE 15 (PCV15)
- Price $1,750
- Eligible groups for VSS1 $950
Prevenar 20 (PCV20)
- Price $1,950
Prevenar 13 (PCV13)
- Price $1,720
- Eligible groups for VSS1 $920
PNEUMOVAX 23 (PPSV23)
- Price $810
- Eligible groups for VSS1 $410
1Detials for eligible groups to receive free or subsidised: https://www.chp.gov.hk/tc/features/103165.html#10003