Pneumococcal vaccine
Target population
- Seniors aged 65 or older
- Those who are deemed by a doctor to be at high risk of contracting pneumococcal diseases
Vaccine types and prices
| Product name | Pneumovax | Prevenar 20 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost/dose | 11,000 yen (tax included) | 16,500 yen (tax included) |
| Types of blood group antigens | 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine | 20-valent conjugate vaccine |
| 23 type | 20 type | |
| Features | It has a wide range of coverage for pneumococcus, which is prone to causing pneumonia. | High immune-inducing effect, easy production of antibodies |
| Types of vaccination | Optional vaccinations (No public funding provided) | Routine vaccinations and optional vaccinations (Publicly subsidized) |
Optional vaccinations: Vaccinations that individuals can receive on their own request.
Routine vaccinations: vaccinations provided primarily by municipalities
Vaccination guide
Clinical research has shown that using two types of pneumococcal vaccines in combination can be expected to provide greater preventive effects and reduce the severity of the disease (※2).
*1: Japanese Society of Infectious Diseases/Japanese Respiratory Society Joint Committee
The order of vaccinations will vary depending on your vaccination history, so please consult with us when you visit the clinic. Depending on the timing of your vaccinations, we may recommend receiving the influenza vaccine (※2) and pneumococcal vaccine together.
When infected with the influenza virus, cells in the air passages leading to the lungs are destroyed, making it easier for bacteria to enter the lungs and causing pneumonia. In particular, influenza can trigger pneumonia in elderly people whose immune systems have weakened due to aging.
Therefore, to prevent pneumonia in elderly people, it is important to administer both influenza and pneumococcal vaccines.
*2:Influenza and pneumonia
Why you should get the pneumococcal vaccine
Reason 1: Pneumonia is the fifth leading cause of death among Japanese people
In particular, the death rate from pneumonia tends to increase with age, especially among people aged 65 and over. (※3)
※3: Ministry of Health, Labour and WelfareOverview of the Monthly Vital Statistics Report for 2019 (approximate figures)'
Reason 2: Streptococcus pneumoniae is the number one cause of pneumonia
The most common cause of pneumonia in people aged 65 or older is a bacterium called "pneumococcus." (※4)
Infections caused by pneumococci are generally called "pneumococcal infections," and can cause a variety of illnesses, including pneumonia, bronchitis, otitis media, and meningitis. Elderly people with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to infection and are particularly susceptible to developing severe symptoms. In addition, pneumococci are also a pathogen that can worsen COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) (*1), one of the risk factors for the worsening of COVID-5 infection, so early prevention is important.
*4: The Japan Association of Infectious DiseasesGuidelines for pneumococcal vaccination'
※5: Ministry of Health, Labour and WelfareCOVID-19 Treatment Guide'
Reason 3: Elderly people may show few initial symptoms and become seriously ill
Initial symptoms are similar to those of a cold, including fever, cough, and phlegm, but if the disease becomes severe, hospitalization may be necessary or it may be life-threatening. In particular, elderly people over 65 years old may not show early symptoms and may become seriously ill without realizing it.
What is the pneumococcal vaccine?
There are more than 90 types of pneumococcus that cause pneumococcal infections, and it is necessary to develop antibodies (immunity) against each type (serotype). Our hospital has two types of vaccines against pneumococcal infections, which have different serotype coverage rates and immune effects.
In addition to administering each vaccine individually, taking the two vaccines together is expected to provide a greater preventive effect.
- The pneumococcal vaccine does not prevent all types of pneumonia.
Frequently asked questions about pneumococcal vaccination
- Is there any subsidy (public funding) for Prevnar 20 vaccination?
Public subsidies are available (only for those aged 65 and over).
- I have received the pneumococcal vaccine at another hospital in the past. Can I receive a booster vaccination at Tokyo Midtown Clinic?
If you have received the vaccine at another hospital, we will ask you about your vaccination history before confirming whether you can receive the vaccine. Please confirm the vaccination period and the name of the vaccine you received at the other hospital before contacting us.
- Are there any side effects?
Mild side effects may include swelling at the injection site, discomfort, and muscle pain. Although very rare, severe side effects may occur. (※6)
※6: Ministry of Health, Labour and WelfarePneumococcal infection (elderly people)'
- Can I still get the vaccine if I have had pneumonia before?
You can still get the vaccine even if you have had pneumonia or pneumococcal infection in the past. If you have a medical history, be sure to inform your doctor.
