Pneumococcal Vaccine (Pneumococcal Vaccine)
Overview of Pneumococcal Vaccine
Pneumococcal Vaccine is a mixture of purified capsular polysaccharides from the 23 types of S. pneumoniae that are resposible for 90% of all pneumococcal infections. Pneumococcal Vaccine is used to provide selective immunity against infection caused by pneumococci in person over 2 years of age.
Indication of Pneumococcal Vaccine
Pneumococcal Vaccine is primarily indicated in conditions like CSF leak, Pneumonia, and can also be given in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in AIDS.
Contraindication of Pneumococcal Vaccine
Pneumococcal Vaccine is contraindicated in conditions like Pregnancy,Hypersensitivity to any component of product.
Side Effects of Pneumococcal Vaccine
The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Pneumococcal Vaccine are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Fever, Rashes, Allergic reactions, Soreness, Redness at injection site.
Precautions of Pneumococcal Vaccine
Vaccination should be postponed in patients suffering from any acute illness. Immunization should not be carried out in individuals who have previously had a severe local or general reaction to the vaccine. Some vaccine contains antibiotics in small amount and should not be given to patients with history of anaphylaxis to the agent used. It should be given atleast 10 days before starting immunosuppressive therapy or be delayed until atleast 6 months after completion of therapy. It is not recommended to use in children under 2yr of age.