Pneumococcal Diease

Key Information

• Disease: Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) includes bacteremia and meningitis, primarily affecting the very young, the elderly, and individuals with certain medical conditions.
• Vaccines: Various pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (Pneu-C) and a polysaccharide vaccine (Pneu-P-23) are authorized for use in Canada.
• Effectiveness: Pneu-C vaccines show high immunogenicity and effectiveness in preventing IPD and pneumonia in children and adults. Pneu-P-23 offers good protection but is less immunogenic than Pneu-C vaccines.

Preparations Authorized for Use in Canada

• Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines:
  • SYNFLORIX® (Pneu-C-10): GlaxoSmithKline Inc.
  • Prevnar®13 (Pneu-C-13): Pfizer Canada ULC
  • VAXNEUVANCE® (Pneu-C-15): Merck Canada Inc.
  • PREVNAR 20™ (Pneu-C-20): Pfizer Canada ULC
• Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine:
  • PNEUMOVAX®23 (Pneu-P-23): Merck Canada Inc.

Recommendations for Use

• Routine Immunization:
• Infants and Children: Pneu-C-15 or Pneu-C-20 vaccines at 2, 4, and 12 months (3-dose schedule) or at 2, 4, 6, and 12-15 months (4-dose schedule).
• Adults (65 years and older): One dose of Pneu-C-20. If unavailable, Pneu-C-15 followed by Pneu-P-23 may be used.
• High-Risk Groups:
  • Individuals with medical conditions, immunocompromising therapy, chronic diseases, and certain environmental or living conditions should receive appropriate pneumococcal vaccines.

Safety and Adverse Events

• Common Reactions: Injection site reactions, fever, irritability, decreased appetite, and sleep disturbances.
• Serious Reactions: Rare, including anaphylaxis.