What is Streptococcus pneumoniae infection?

Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common bacteria that causes pneumonia, which is also responsible for diseases such as sinusitis, otitis media, meningitis and bacteremia. Death rates of the pneumonia, bacteremia and meningitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae are 5-7%, 25-30%, 30% respectively, and even higher in elderly patients.

How effective is the pneumococcal vaccine (PCV)?

There are two types of PCV, the polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) and the conjugated vaccine (PCV13). Each vaccine prevents infection from various serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae. PPSV23 can prevent invasive infections such as meningitis or bacteremia by 50-80% whereas PCV13 can prevent invasive infections by 75% and noninvasive infections like pneumonia by 45%.

Who should receive the PCV vaccination and when?

Adults with chronic diseases (diabetes, heart, lung, liver conditions), immunocompromised patients (who take immunosuppressants, had organ transfer or suffer severe immunodeficiency) and the elderly who is over 65 years of age should be vaccinated with PCV. Depending on the age and preexisting conditions, you could be vaccinated with both types or only one type of PCV; so please consult your physician for appropriate vaccination.

Who should avoid the PCV vaccination?

If you had severe allergic reactions to previous PCV vaccination or to the components in the vaccine, you will be prohibited from receiving the PCV vaccination. If you are currently suffering from any severe acute diseases, it is recommended that you receive your vaccination after recovering. Vaccination is allowed in cases of light cold without fever.

What are possible side effects of the PCV vaccination?

PCV is known to be safe and side effects are rarely reported. Some may show localized responses like flares or pain in the injected area while others may show systemic responses like fever, weakness, muscular pain and headaches; but all these symptoms disappear within 1-2 days. In very exceptional cases, extreme hypersensitivity reactions like anaphylactic shocks can occur.

What should I do if side effects occur after the PCV vaccination?

Localized side effects or systemic responses like fever and muscle pain are usually light (slight to moderate) and disappear within a few days without treatment. However, if you are experiencing severe side effects or they gradually worsen, you must immediately visit a medical institution for consultation. You can get additional help from the Immunization Control Team at the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (http://nip.cdc.go.kr) or the Korea Institute of Drug Safety & Risk Management (1644-6223) depending on your case.

What is shingles?

Shingles occurs when the varicella zoster virus (VZV), which initially causes infection in the form of chickenpox, remains dormant in the body and reactivates when you age or your immune system declines.
When shingles occur, rash and blisters form on your skin and cause pain, and depending on the area of occurrence, you may experience damaged vision or scarring. In extreme cases, neuralgia may occur and continue for months or even years.

How effective is the shingles vaccine?

With vaccination, the occurrence rate of shingles can be decreased by 51-69% and complications like post-shingles neuralgia can also be prevented, reducing the burden of disease.

Who should receive the shingles vaccination and when is the recommended time?

Adults over 60 years of age are recommended to receive vaccination against shingles. Adults in their 50s can be vaccinated upon doctor’s approval when there is a high possibility that they may show hypersensitivity against shingles or post-shingles neuralgia.

Who should avoid the shingles vaccination?

If you had severe allergic reactions to the components in the shingles vaccine, you will be prohibited from receiving the vaccination. Also, people who take high-dose of steroids or immunosuppressants, and those with severe immunodeficiency and pregnant women will be prohibited. If you are currently suffering from any severe acute diseases, it is recommended that you receive your vaccination after recovering. Vaccination is allowed in cases of light cold without fever.

What are possible side effects of the shingles vaccination?

If you had severe allergic reactions to previous tetanus-diphteria-(pertussis) vaccination or had acute encephalopathy of unknown cause within 7 days of vaccination, you will be prohibited from receiving the tetanus-diphteria-(pertussis) vaccination.
If you are currently suffering from severe acute diseases, it is recommended that you receive your vaccination after recovering. Vaccination is allowed in cases of light cold without fever.

What should I do if side effects occur after the shingles vaccination?

Localized side effects or systemic responses like fever and muscle pain are usually light (slight to moderate) and disappear within a few days without treatment. However, if you are experiencing severe side effects or they gradually worsen, you must immediately visit a medical institution for consultation. You can get additional help from the Immunization Control Team at the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (http://nip.cdc.go.kr) or the Korea Institute of Drug Safety & Risk Management (1644-6223) depending on your case.