Pneumococcal infection is a disease caused by *Streptococcus pneumoniae* (肺炎鏈球菌). This bacterium is commonly found in the human upper respiratory tract, and even healthy individuals can be carriers.

How Does Pneumococcus Spread?

Pneumococcus is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets or oral contact. It can also spread indirectly through contact with objects contaminated by respiratory secretions.

Risks of Pneumococcal Infection

In most cases, pneumococcus causes relatively mild infections, such as otitis media (middle ear infection) or sinusitis. However, it can also lead to severe and potentially fatal infections, including:

• Invasive pneumonia (入血性肺炎)
• Meningitis (腦膜炎)
• Sepsis (敗血病)

These severe infections are known as invasive pneumococcal diseases. When children and the elderly contract invasive pneumococcal diseases, the condition is typically more serious.

13-Valent and 23-Valent Pneumococcal Vaccines: Effective Weapons Against Pneumonia

There are currently two vaccines that effectively prevent pneumococcal infections:

• 13-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (13價肺炎球菌結合疫苗): Not only effectively prevents invasive pneumococcal diseases but also protects against non-invasive pneumococcal pneumonia.
• 23-Valent Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (23價肺炎球菌多醣疫苗): Also prevents invasive pneumococcal diseases, though its effectiveness against non-invasive pneumonia is less than that of the 13-valent vaccine. However, the 23-valent vaccine covers more serotypes, theoretically offering broader protection.

Vaccination Recommendations

The Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases recommends:

• Children under 2 years old: Should receive the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine as part of the “Hong Kong Childhood Immunisation Programme.” The current recommendation is two primary doses at 2 and 4 months of age, followed by a booster dose at 1 year of age.
• High-risk individuals aged 2 years or older: Should receive one dose of the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, followed by one dose of the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine a year later.

Important Reminder:

Please consult a doctor to learn more about the 13-valent and 23-valent pneumococcal vaccines and the vaccination schedule suitable for you or your family.

Conclusion

Pneumococcal infection can lead to serious health issues. Vaccination with the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine and the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine is an effective way to prevent pneumonia. To protect your health and that of your family, consult a doctor to learn more about pneumococcal vaccines.