Pneumococcal 20 Vaccination (PNEUMONIA)

Service Description

WHAT IS PNEUMONIA? Pneumococcal disease is an infection caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae. This bacteria — commonly referred to as pneumococcus — is a common cause of pneumonia and other infections. Although pneumonia is a lung infection that can be caused by many different bacteria, viruses, or fungi, the pneumococcus bacteria is the most common cause of pneumonia infection. Pneumococcal pneumonia can be life-threatening. But pneumonia isn't the only risk. Pneumococcus can infect other parts of the body too, and cause serious "invasive” disease like meningitis (bacteria in the brain and spinal cord) and bacteremia (bacteria in the blood). It can also cause sinus and ear infections. WHY PREVNAR 20? Prevnar 20 protects against 20 types of pneumococcal bacteria. Prevnar 20 is a pneumococcal vaccine that helps protect against certain diseases such as pneumonia, bacteremic pneumonia, sepsis or bacteremia and meningitis caused by 20 types of the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae. Prevnar 20 is not indicated to reduce complications of pneumococcal pneumonia, including hospitalizations. Adults 50+ were observed to be at increased risk in studies Adults 18+ with one of these conditions were observed to be at increased risk in studies: • Diabetes • Smoking • Chronic Heart Disease • Chronic Lung Disease • Cancer • Chronic liver disease • Alcoholism • Certain neurological conditions • Living in long-term care facilities Prevnar 20 and Prevnar 13 work similarly to protect you against pneumococcal disease. But Prevnar 13 protects against 13 strains of pneumococcus, whereas Prevnar 20 protects against 20 strains. The manufacturer states that the 7 additional strains in Prevnar 20 account for roughly 40% of all U.S. pneumococcal disease cases and deaths.

Contact Details

• 300 Columbia Street #112, Kamloops, BC, Canada