Pneumococcal vaccine

Inoculation target person

• Seniors aged 65 or older
• Those who are judged by a doctor to be at high risk of developing pneumococcal disease

Vaccine types and prices

Routine vaccinations: vaccinations provided primarily by municipalities
Optional vaccinations: Vaccinations that individuals can receive on their own request.

Inoculation method

Clinical research has shown that using two types of pneumococcal vaccines in combination can be expected to provide greater preventive effects and reduce the severity of the disease (※2).

*1: Japanese Society of Infectious Diseases/Japanese Respiratory Society Joint Committee
"Pneumococcal vaccination guidelines for adults aged 65 and over'

1. First-time users

• Vaccinate Prevnar 13 → Vaccinate Pneumovax within 1 to 4 years
• Vaccinate Prevnar 13 → Vaccinate Pneumovax

2. People who have received the Mumovax vaccination

• Prevnar 1 was administered at least one year apart

We recommend that you receive both the influenza vaccine (※2) and the pneumococcal vaccine.
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.
Therefore, to prevent pneumonia in elderly people, it is important to administer both influenza and pneumococcal vaccines.
*2:Influenza and pneumonia

Why you should get the pneumococcal vaccine

Reason 1: Pneumonia is the fifth leading cause of death among Japanese people

In particular, the death rate from pneumonia tends to increase with age, especially among people aged 65 and over. (※3)
※3: Ministry of Health, Labour and WelfareOverview of the Monthly Vital Statistics Report for 30 (approximate figures)'

Reason 2: Streptococcus pneumoniae is the number one cause of pneumonia

The most common cause of pneumonia in people aged 65 or older is a bacterium called "pneumococcus." (※4)
Infections caused by pneumococci are generally called "pneumococcal infections," and can cause a variety of illnesses, including pneumonia, bronchitis, otitis media, and meningitis. Elderly people with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to infection and are particularly susceptible to developing severe symptoms. In addition, pneumococci are also a pathogen that can worsen COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) (*1), one of the risk factors for the worsening of COVID-5 infection, so early prevention is important.

*4: The Japan Association of Infectious DiseasesGuidelines for pneumococcal vaccination'

※5: Ministry of Health, Labour and WelfareCOVID-19 Treatment Guide'

Reason 3: Elderly people may show few early symptoms and develop severe symptoms

Initial symptoms are similar to those of a cold, including fever, cough, and phlegm, but if the disease becomes severe, hospitalization may be necessary or it may be life-threatening. In particular, elderly people over 65 years old may not show early symptoms and may become seriously ill without realizing it.

What is the pneumococcal vaccine?

There are over 90 types of pneumococcus that cause pneumococcal infections, and it is necessary to develop antibodies (immunity) against each type (serotype). Our hospital has 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.

Frequently asked questions about pneumococcal vaccination