Published on 10 Dec 2024
Did you know that pneumonia is the second leading cause of death, and the fifth most common reason for hospitalisation in Singapore?
Despite the serious health risks that pneumonia poses, vaccination rates among seniors are relatively low at 22.4% as of 2021. This means that many seniors, especially those with chronic health conditions, are at risk of infection and severe complications arising from pneumonia.
The pneumococcal vaccine is a simple yet effective way to protect yourself and your loved ones from serious pneumococcal diseases like pneumonia.
In this article, we’ll explain what pneumococcal disease is, how it spreads, and its link to pneumonia. We’ll also share essential information about the types of pneumococcal vaccines available in Singapore, who they are recommended for, and where to get vaccinated.
Pneumococcal disease refers to a broad group of infections caused by the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. An infection can cause mild or serious symptoms.
The most severe form of the disease is known as Invasive Pneumococcal Disease (IPD). It occurs when bacteria invades normally sterile body sites, such as the bloodstream or lungs, leading to serious and potentially life-threatening infections.
One of the most common types of IPD is pneumococcal pneumonia, a serious lung infection marked by persistent coughing, fever, chest pain, and breathing difficulties.
Pneumococcal disease primarily spreads through respiratory droplets. When an infected person sneezes, coughs, or talks, tiny particles carrying the pneumococcal bacteria are released into the air, exposing others to the bacteria.
It’s important to note that an estimated 40-50 percent of healthy children and 20-30 percent of healthy adults are asymptomatic carriers. This means that they carry the bacteria in their nose and throat without feeling ill or showing any symptoms. However, they can still spread the bacteria to others, especially those with weakened immune systems.
Given the significant population of asymptomatic carriers, it’s likely that most people will encounter the pneumococcal bacteria at some point in their lives. As such, it is important to get vaccinated to protect not just yourself, but also safeguard vulnerable groups in the community.
While anyone can contract pneumococcal disease, certain groups are at a higher risk:
A recent respiratory illness, such as COVID-19 or influenza, can also weaken the immune system and increase your risk of pneumococcal infection. If you or a loved one fall into a high-risk group, you’re advised to take the pneumococcal vaccine to reduce the risk of serious complications.
Depending on where the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria infects, pneumococcal disease can include conditions such as:
Many of these conditions can result in severe long-term health complications, even after the infection clears. For instance, pneumonia can lead to permanent lung damage, while meningitis may cause lasting neurological effects.
Getting vaccinated against pneumococcal disease can significantly reduce your risk of these serious health complications.
Pneumococcal disease is usually treated with antibiotics, with severe cases requiring hospitalisation for more intensive treatment.
However, pneumococcal bacteria are becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics, making the disease harder to treat. Prevention through vaccination remains the safest and most effective way to combat pneumococcal disease.
Pneumococcal disease can have devastating consequences, particularly for individuals with weaker immunity. In Singapore, nearly one in five adults who contract invasive pneumococcal disease lose their lives to it.
The pneumococcal vaccine offers clinically proven protection against severe pneumococcal diseases like pneumonia and meningitis. By getting vaccinated, you can shield your loved ones from these infections, and significantly reduce your risk of severe illness, hospitalisation, and death.
Speak to a doctor today about getting vaccinated to protect yourself, and those at higher risk around you.
In Singapore, there are two key vaccines recommended by the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS) and National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS) to protect against pneumococcal disease:
PCV13 and PPSV23 are inactivated vaccines, which means they do not contain live bacteria and cannot cause pneumococcal disease. Both vaccines are administered through an injection.
Stay protected with subsidized vaccinations at NTUC Health Family Medicine Clinic, a participating Healthier SG clinic.
Both PCV13 and PPSV23 vaccines help your immune system to protect you from pneumococcal infections effectively, but they work slightly differently.
Research shows that when PCV13 is given before PPSV23, the combination provides an even stronger and more comprehensive protection than receiving only one vaccine.
This combination is especially effective for high-risk individuals, significantly reducing their likelihood of severe illness, complications, hospitalisation, and even death.
Under the NAIS and NCIS, the recommended groups for vaccination include the following:
Children who miss these doses can receive catch-up vaccination up to the age of 5 years old (59 months).
Note: Recommendations may vary based on your specific health needs. Your doctor will determine the most suitable pneumococcal vaccine and dosage schedule for you.
Vaccination against pneumococcal disease is safe, but it can sometimes cause minor side effects such as:
These side effects are generally mild and usually resolve on their own within 2 to 3 days.
Severe allergic reactions to pneumococcal vaccines are rare but can occur. Symptoms may include difficulty breathing, swelling of the face and throat, dizziness, or hives. If you experience any of these symptoms after receiving the vaccine, seek medical attention promptly.
The pneumococcal vaccine is available at NTUC Health Family Medicine Clinic, and other participating clinics under the Healthier SG initiative, as well as most polyclinics and hospitals.
Call us at 6281 2638, or make an online appointment today to stay protected.
Enrol in Healthier SG with NTUC Health Family Medicine Clinic to receive fully subsidised ($0) pneumococcal vaccinations and other NAIS-recommended vaccines at our clinic.
If you need help with Healthier SG enrollment, feel free to drop by our clinic and we’ll be happy to guide you through the process. Alternatively, you may visit our Healthier SG page to find out more about the benefits and eligibility criteria, and enrol independently using our online guide.
Singapore Citizens who are not enrolled in Healthier SG can still enjoy government subsidies for pneumococcal vaccinations. These subsidies are available at CHAS certified clinics like NTUC Health Family Medicine Clinic, as well as polyclinics.
For those holding a Pioneer Generation (PG), Merdeka Generation, or CHAS Card, the table below outlines the maximum fee you can expect to pay for pneumococcal vaccinations at CHAS GP clinics. MediSave can also be used to cover any remaining co-payment costs for vaccinations under the NAIS.
| Vaccine | Healthier SG enrollees at the enrolled clinic | Pioneer Generation | Merdeka Generation/CHAS Blue/Chas Orange | CHAS Green/Non-CHAS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pneumococcal conjugate 13-valent (PCV13) | $0 | $16 | $31 | $63 |
| Pneumococcal polysaccharide 23-valent (PPSV23) | $0 | $11 | $22 | $43 |
Stay protected by checking your vaccination records to ensure you and your loved ones are up to date with the pneumococcal vaccine and other recommended vaccines under the NAIS and NCIS.
Schedule a consultation with your healthcare provider today to discuss your vaccination needs and ensure optimal protection.
To schedule your vaccination at NTUC Health Family Medicine Clinic, call our clinic at 6281 2638 or make an online appointment today.
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