In 2018, pneumonia caused approximately 56,800 deaths, making it one of the leading causes of deaths in the country1. However, despite the staggering number of cases, common types of pneumonia are easily preventable through vaccination. Thankfully, there are several types of pneumococcal vaccine in the Philippines available from your doctor or local health center.
Ideally, all children under 2 years old should complete their PCV vaccination. After this, healthy children and adults do not need to receive a booster dose unless they have any of the following conditions:
- Cochlear implants
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks
- Chronic disease (e.g. chronic kidney, heart, or liver disease; diabetes)
- Immunocompromised state (e.g. HIV infection, asplenia)
- Heavy tobacco or alcohol use
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