Pneumokockvacciner

Pneumokockvacciner, or pneumococcal vaccines, are vaccines that protect against infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, a bacterium responsible for invasive diseases such as meningitis, sepsis, bacteremia, as well as pneumonia. There are two main classes: pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV) and pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccines (PPV). PCVs, such as PCV13, PCV15, and PCV20, wrap each serotype’s capsular polysaccharide to a protein carrier, inducing strong, long-lasting immunity in children and adults. PPVs, such as PPSV23, contain purified polysaccharides from multiple serotypes and are used mainly in adults and some high-risk groups, but produce a less robust response in young children.

Vaccination programs aim to prevent invasive pneumococcal disease and reduce transmission. In children, routine PCV vaccination reduces disease caused by vaccine serotypes and can decrease nasopharyngeal carriage in the community. In adults and at-risk populations, PPV23 and/or PCV as part of national schedules is used, with the exact sequence and intervals varying by country.

Common side effects are mild and include pain at the injection site, fever, and irritability; serious adverse events are rare. Pneumococcal vaccines do not protect against all pneumococcal serotypes, so the level of protection depends on circulating serotypes. Global recommendations are issued by health authorities such as the WHO, with national schedules guiding implementation.