Pneumonia is a common infection that may be caused by bacteria, fungi or viruses and results in inflammation of the lungs. Pneumonia may also be caused due to inhaling liquid or chemicals and this condition is likely to affect young children or elderly individuals. Pneumonia is also likely to affect individuals with weak immune system or those suffering from other grave health problems. Even though the condition can be treated, it is advisable to prevent pneumonia. Pneumonia vaccine along with other preventative measures can help individuals in avoiding this condition.

The typical symptoms associated with pneumonia include cough accompanied with sputum in some cases, fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, chest pain etc. The diagnosis of the condition can be done through physical examination along with blood tests and chest X-ray. Frequent washing of hands can help in preventing this infection. It is also important to avoid smoking. A pneumonia vaccine which is effective for bacterial or pneumococcal pneumonia can be given as a preventative measure.

The pneumonia vaccine or pneumococcal vaccination covers 23 of the 80 bacteria that cause pneumonia. This vaccine contains dead bacteria and it is injected into the system to make the immune system create antibodies against the bacteria. This vaccine can be given to adults of 65 years of age or older. It can also be given to individuals of more than 2 years of age and those who suffer from conditions like chronic heart or chronic lung disorders, emphysema, alcoholism, chronic liver disease, cardiomypathy or diabetes mellitus, spleen dysfunction, blood malignancy, kidney failure, multiple myeloma, organ transplantation etc. In case of immunosuppressive therapy or surgical removal of spleen the vaccine may be given two weeks before the therapy or surgery.

Pneumonia vaccine should not be given to a person who has history of hypersensitivity towards vaccines. Pregnant women should consult doctor before getting this vaccine. This vaccine is injected in the form of a 0.5 ml liquid solution within the muscle. The area of injection is first sterilized using alcohol and then injection is given. In some cases, the vaccine results in some side effects. However these side effects are temporary and are not serious. In rare cases, the serious side effects may include tachycardia, throat swelling, breathing difficulties and behavioral changes.

In most cases, the common side effects experienced with the pneumonia vaccine include pain, eruption of small lumps at the injection site and swelling. Other side effects may include headache, fever, pain, rash and muscle aches. The side effects can be easily identified in the form of rashes, hives and swelling of lips that may occur after the vaccine is administered. In recent times a new form of pneumonia vaccine called heptavalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine has been devised. This vaccine is approved for use among children less than 2 years of age and among immunocompromised children between 24 months to 59 months of age.