Pneumonia Vaccine Types in the Philippines
There are two pneumonia vaccine types in the Philippines: the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) and the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV). Refer to the guide below to check their differences:
PCV
Currently, we have the PCV-10 and PCV-13; the first offers protection against 10 serotypes, and the latter protects the patient from 13 serotypes.
PCV-10 and PCV-13 are commonly given to children 6 weeks to 5 years old, typically under the age of 2. Usually, it requires 3 primary doses given at least one month apart and then followed by 1 booster dose when the child is 12 to 15 months old or 6 months after the last primary dose.
Adults can also receive PCV-13 after their doctor’s recommendation.
PPV
PPV protects us from 23 serotypes of Streptococcus pneumonia. Doctors commonly recommend a single dose of PPV to adults aged 65 and older. However, those with an increased risk of severe pneumococcal illness might need revaccination (typically after at least 5 years).
PPV may also be given to children aged 2 years up and adults younger than 65 if they have underlying health issues that increase their risk of severe pneumococcal infection.
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