Why is pneumococcal vaccination important?
Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) presents in the upper respiratory tracts even in healthy carriers. It is the causative agent of pneumococcal infections. The outcomes for invasive pneumococcal diseases are usually more severe among young children and elderly.
What are the features of the newly registered 15-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV15)?
There are over 100 serotypes of pneumococcus, of which serotype 3 is the biggest threat. Regardless of age, in recent years, most severe and hospitalised cases of pneumococcal infection are caused by serotype 3. Streptococcus pneumoniae causes a wide range of diseases, including middle ear infection (acute otitis media), pneumonia, and various forms of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD), such as meningitis and bloodstream infection (bacteremia and sepsis).
15-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (VAXNEUVANCE™) is now indicated for active immunization for the prevention of invasive disease caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes 1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19A, 19F, 22F, 23F and 33F in individuals. VAXNEUVANCE™ specifically targets serotype 3 pneumococcus and helps prevent pneumonia and invasive disease (meningitis, septicaemia, etc.) caused by pneumococcus (including 15 serotypes).
After taking into consideration the local epidemiology and available scientific evidence, the Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases (SCVPD) under the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health (DH) recommended to replace PCV13 with PCV15 under the Government Pneumococcal Vaccination Programme. Relevant immunisation schedules for high-risk individuals* would remain unchanged.
Highlights:
- According to the recommendation made by the SCVPD, VAXNEUVANCE™ induces high immunogenicity against serotype 3 which is believed to be more effective in preventing IPD caused by this serotype.
- It is approved for use by the US FDA and the EU, and is widely used in European and American countries such as the US, the UK and Canada, as well as Australia.
- This is a registered pharmaceutical product approved by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong. It meets the criteria for safety, efficacy, and quality.
Who are eligible to receive free/subsidised pneumococcal vaccination?
1. Elderly aged 65 years or above are eligible to receive Government subsidy (Count by year of birth)
2. 1 dose of 23vPPV will be subsidized for elderly without high-risk conditions*
3. 1 dose of PCV15 or PCV13 and 23vPPV will be subsidized for elderly with high-risk conditions*
Details:
Elderly aged 65 years or above | Have not received any pneumococcal vaccination | Have received 23vPPV | Have received PCV15 or PCV13 | Have received both PCV15 or PCV13 and 23vPPV |
Without high-risk conditions | Subsidise one dose of 23vPPV | No vaccination needed | No vaccination needed | No vaccination needed |
With high-risk conditions | Subsidise one dose of PCV15 or PCV13 followed by one dose of 23vPPV one year after | Subsidise one mop-up dose of PCV15 or PCV13 one year after the previous 23vPPV | Subsidise one dose of 23vPPV one year after the previous PCV15 or PCV13 | No vaccination needed |
High-risk conditions include:
- History of invasive pneumococcal disease, cerebrospinal fluid leakage or cochlear implant;
- Chronic cardiovascular (except hypertension without complications), lung, liver or kidney diseases;
- Metabolic diseases including diabetes mellitus or obesity (Body Mass Index 30 or above);
- Immunocompromised states related to weakened immune system due to conditions such as asplenia, Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome or cancer/steroid treatment; and
- Chronic neurological conditions that can compromise respiratory functions or the handling of respiratory secretions, or increase the risk of aspiration, or those who lack the ability to take care of themselves.
If you are recommended to receive vaccination but are not the above-mentioned eligible persons, you may consult your family doctor and consider vaccination at your own expense for personal protection.
How to use the services of Quality Healthcare?
As one of the largest private healthcare providers in Hong Kong with with extensive services network., we support the Vaccination Subsidy Scheme every year to safeguard the health of children and elderly by provdinig pneumococcal vaccination services. The co-payment charges details as follows:
13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) : Free of charge
15-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV15) : $250 co-payment fee
23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (23vPPV) : Free of charge
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