Prevention of pneumococcal pneumonia※ 1When,
Reduce severity.
"Pneumococcal vaccine"?
- The number one cause of pneumonia is Streptococcus pneumoniae
Pneumonia is a disease that causes inflammation of the lungs due to infection by bacteria, viruses, etc.
The most common cause of pneumonia in people aged 65 and over is Streptococcus pneumoniae.※ 1AndPneumococcal vaccination recommendedIt is done.
- Early prevention is important during the coronavirus pandemic
Recently, pneumonia caused by COVID-19 has also been reported, and pneumococcus is one of the risk factors for severe COVID-19 infections, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).※ 2It is also a pathogen that can worsen the condition, so early prevention is important.
The pneumococcal vaccine is for the following people:
・Seniors aged 65 or older
Those who are judged by a doctor to be at high risk of developing pneumococcal disease
*1 Reference: "Guidelines for revaccination of pneumococcal vaccines" by the Japanese Society of Infectious Diseases
https://www.pmda.go.jp/files/000145328.pdf
*2 Reference: Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare "Guidelines for medical treatment of novel coronavirus infection"
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/content/000712473.pdf
- Key points on this page
▼Click here to make a reservation for the pneumococcal vaccine
Pneumonia: increasing among people aged 65 and over
Early action is important
According to statistics from the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare for 5, the number of deaths from pneumonia in Japan is the fifth highest after malignant neoplasms, heart disease, senility, and cerebrovascular disease.※ 3In addition, the mortality rate from pneumonia increases with age in people aged 65 and over.
Initial symptoms of pneumonia are similar to those of a cold, including fever, cough, and phlegm, but if the condition worsens, hospitalization may be necessary and it can become life-threatening.
Especially in the elderly,There are almost no early symptoms, and the pneumonia progresses and becomes severe without you realizing it.This can lead to problems, so early prevention and measures are important.
*3 Reference: Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, "Overview of the Annual Total (approximate figures) of the Monthly Vital Statistics Report for 30"
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/toukei/saikin/hw/jinkou/geppo/nengai18/dl/gaikyou30.pdf
Figure taken from the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare's "Overview of the Annual Total (approximate figures) of the Monthly Vital Statistics Report for 30"
What is Streptococcus pneumoniae, the bacterium that causes pneumonia?
Pneumonia has many different causes and types, but it is most commonly caused by infection with pathogens such as bacteria or viruses.
There are many different types of bacteria that can causeThe most common causative bacterium is Streptococcus pneumoniae.It is a bacterium called ".
In general, infections caused by pneumococcus"Pneumococcal infection"It can cause a variety of illnesses, including pneumonia, bronchitis, otitis media, and meningitis.
Pneumococcal infections are more likely to occur in infants and young children whose immune systems are not yet fully developed, and in the elderly, whose immune systems are weakened. Prevention with a vaccine is recommended, especially for elderly people, who are at risk of developing severe symptoms.
Preventing pneumococcal infections can help prevent a variety of diseases, including pneumonia.
Pneumococcal vaccine” to prevent pneumococcal infections
There are over 90 types of pneumococcus that cause pneumococcal infections, and it is necessary to develop antibodies (immunity) against each type (serotype). In Japan, there are two types of vaccines against pneumococcal infections, each of which targets a different type of pneumococcus.
Of course, you can get each vaccine individually, but by using the two vaccines together, you can cover a wider range of pneumococcal bacteria.
*The pneumococcal vaccine does not prevent all types of pneumonia.
■ Pneumovax
This vaccine covers 23 types of pneumococcus that are most likely to cause infectious diseases.
■ Prevenar 13
This vaccine covers 13 types of pneumococcus that are most likely to cause infectious diseases.
| Part Number | Pneumovax | Prepenar 13 |
|---|---|---|
| Blood group antigens Types | 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine | 13-valent conjugate vaccine |
| 23 type | 13 type | |
| Features | It has a wide range of coverage for pneumococcus, which is prone to causing pneumonia. | It has a high immune-inducing effect, Antibodies are easily produced |
| Types of vaccination | Routine vaccinations and optional vaccinations (Publicly subsidized) | Optional vaccinations (No public funding) |
| Vaccination price/dose | 11,000 yen (tax included) | 15,400 yen (tax included) |
■How to administer the two types of pneumococcal vaccines
Clinical studies have shown that the combination of Prevnar 13 and Pneumovax provides a stronger pneumonia prevention effect.※ 4
*4 Reference: "Policy on pneumococcal vaccination for adults aged 65 and over" by the Joint Committee of the Japanese Association of Infectious Diseases and the Japanese Respiratory Society
https://www.kansensho.or.jp/uploads/files/guidelines/o65haienV/o65haienV_policy2019-2023.pdf
*If you are planning to receive regular Pneumovax vaccinations at another medical institution this year, you can receive Prevnar only at our hospital. In that case, you will need to leave the above vaccination interval, so please consult us when making your reservation.
■Can also be used in combination with influenza vaccines
When infected with the influenza virus, cells in the air passages leading to the lungs are destroyed, making it easier for bacteria to enter the lungs and causing pneumonia. In particular, influenza can trigger pneumonia in elderly people whose immune systems have weakened due to aging.※ 5
Therefore, to prevent pneumonia in elderly people, it is important to administer both influenza and pneumococcal vaccines.
*5 Reference: Influenza and pneumonia
https://www.haien-yobou.jp/influenzaha.xhtml
FAQ
-If I receive Pneumovax, will I receive any subsidies (public funding) from the government?
Vaccinations at our hospital are optional and are not subsidized by public funds.
-I have received the pneumococcal vaccine in the past. Can I receive a booster vaccination at our hospital?
If you have received the vaccine at another hospital, we will always ask you about your vaccination history. Please confirm the vaccination period and name of the vaccine administered at the other hospital before contacting us.
・I have had pneumonia before. Can I still get the vaccine?
You can still get the vaccine even if you have had pneumonia or a pneumococcal disease in the past.
If you have a medical history, be sure to tell your doctor.※ 6
-Are there any side effects?
Mild side effects may include swelling, discomfort, and muscle pain at the injection site.
Although rare, serious side effects may occur.※ 6
*6 Reference: Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare "Pneumococcal Infections (Elderly)"
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/kenkou_iryou/kenkou/kekkaku-kansenshou/haienkyukin/index_1.html
For reservations and inquiries, please contact the Internal Medicine Department.
Please feel free to contact us by phone.*The number of vaccines available is limited, so please make your reservation in advance.
Tokyo Midtown Clinic Outpatient Care
TEL.03-5413-0080
(Mon-Fri 09:00-12:30, 14:00-17:30)