We all often hear about serious diseases like pneumonia, blood poisoning, and meningitis. These are serious infections that can sometimes be life-threatening. So did you know that there is a vaccine that helps protect us from such dangerous infections, especially recommended for adults? That is what we are going to talk about today.
What is the Pneumococcal Vaccine?
Simply put, this is a vaccine that trains our immune system to fight off a bacteria called Pneumococcus, which can cause serious infections in our bodies. Specifically, this bacteria can cause very serious conditions like pneumonia , meningitis , and septicaemia .
The important thing is that this vaccine is not a cure for an infection you already have. It is a 'preventive' vaccine that protects you from the disease before it occurs. And because of this vaccine, you will never get the disease.
This vaccine is usually recommended for adults over the age of 18. Vaxneuvance is one brand name for this vaccine.
Things you need to tell your doctor before getting vaccinated
Before you get this vaccine, it is very important for your safety to talk to your doctor about some things very clearly. Remember, if you have certain conditions in your body, your response to the vaccine may be different. Therefore, if you have any of the following, be sure to tell your doctor about it.
- Bleeding disorders: If you have a bleeding disorder.
- Fever: If you have a fever on the day of the vaccination.
- Weakened immune system: If your immune system is weakened due to a condition such as HIV infection, cancer, or taking medications that suppress the immune system.
- Allergies: This is very important. If you have ever had an allergy to a pneumococcal vaccine, if you have an allergy to the diphtheria toxoid vaccine, or if you have any other allergies to any vaccine, medicine, food, or dye, you should tell your doctor.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant or are expecting to become pregnant soon.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: If you are a mother who is breastfeeding your child.
Based on this information, the doctor will decide whether to give you this vaccine or not, or whether to give it under special care.
How is the vaccine given and what happens?
This vaccine is given as an injection into a muscle . It is usually given into the muscle in your upper arm. It is given by a doctor or a trained health worker (such as a nurse). You will not be allowed to take it home with you.
Usually, before you are given a vaccine like this, you are given a leaflet (Vaccine Information Statement) that contains information about it. It is important to read and understand it carefully. This will give you a better understanding of the vaccine.
What if the dose of the vaccine is increased?
This is not something that usually happens, as it is given under the supervision of a doctor. However, if you think you have received an overdose of the vaccine, immediately contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital. Or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Other medications that may interact with this vaccine
If you are taking other medications, some of them may affect the effectiveness of this vaccine. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking. Be especially careful with the following medications:
| Drug type | Description and examples |
|---|---|
| Cancer drugs | Because chemotherapy, which kills cancer cells, reduces the body's immunity. |
| Immune-suppressing drugs | Immune-suppressing drugs given to prevent rejection of transplanted organs or for other medical conditions. |
| Steroids | For example, drugs like Prednisolone or Cortisone. |
This list is not complete, so tell your doctor about any medications, vitamins, herbal remedies, or nutritional supplements you are taking.
Possible side effects after vaccination
As with any vaccine, some people may experience minor side effects after receiving this vaccine. Don't be alarmed by these, most people won't experience these serious side effects, but it's important to be aware. Let's break these down into two parts.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
| Severe allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Nervous system changes | Confusion, muscle weakness, seizures. |
| High fever | Fever over 102°F (38.9°C). |
| Other serious symptoms | Fast or irregular heartbeat, unusual bleeding or bruising. |
| Side effects that usually subside within a few days and should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Pain at the injection site | Soreness, swelling, or redness where the injection was given. |
| General fever | A fever below 102°F. |
| Body aches | Headache, joint pain, muscle pain, or lameness. |
These minor side effects usually go away within 3 days, but if they persist or bother you, talk to your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- The pneumococcal vaccine is an important vaccine that protects against serious bacterial infections such as pneumonia and meningitis.
- This is not a cure for an existing infection, but something that provides protection before the disease develops.
- Before getting the vaccine, it is imperative that you tell your doctor about any other illnesses you have, allergies, and any medications you are taking.
- It is normal to feel sore at the injection site and have a slight fever. However, if you experience severe allergic symptoms, high fever, or difficulty breathing, see a doctor immediately.
- Please ask your doctor any questions you may have about this vaccine or any other health issue.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න