Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 24, 2026
Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria
Published on: February 23, 2014
Polyvalent pneumococcal vaccines: a review
Insights
Polyvalent pneumococcal vaccines offer protection against Streptococcus pneumoniae infections, particularly for high-risk groups like sickle cell patients. While effective, infants respond inconsistently, and revaccination may increase adverse reactions.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Certain populations, including infants, elderly, asplenic individuals, and those with sickle cell anemia, face heightened susceptibility to Streptococcus pneumoniae infections.
- Pneumococcal disease poses a significant public health concern, necessitating effective preventive strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the development, pharmacology, efficacy, adverse reactions, and clinical applications of polyvalent pneumococcal vaccines.
- To outline recommendations for the use of pneumococcal vaccines based on U.S. Public Health Service and CDC guidelines.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on polyvalent pneumococcal vaccines.
- Analysis of vaccine effectiveness, antibody response, and adverse event profiles.
- Compilation of clinical usage recommendations for specific patient groups.
Main Results:
- Polyvalent pneumococcal vaccine elicits a robust antibody response within two weeks, generally sustained for over 20 months.
- Vaccine demonstrated significant reduction in pneumococcal disease incidence (76-100%) and carrier rates.
- Inconsistent immune response observed in infants under two years; local reactions common in adults and children, increasing with revaccination.
Conclusions:
- Polyvalent pneumococcal vaccines are beneficial for high-risk populations such as sickle cell patients, asplenic individuals, the elderly, and those in closed communities.
- Mass immunization is not recommended; targeted vaccination strategies are advised.
- Further research may be needed to optimize vaccine efficacy and safety in infants.
Abstract:
The development, pharmacology, effectiveness, adverse reactions and clinical use of polyvalent pneumococcal vaccines are reviewed. Patients with sickle cell anemia, asplenic and elderly patients, infants and closed populations are particularly susceptible to Streptococcus pneumoniae infections. Polyvalent pneumococcal vaccine induces a satisfactory antibody response wihin about two weeks which declines with time but generally remains elevated for at least 20 months after infection. The vaccine has been reported to reduce the incidence of pneumococcal disease by 76 to 100% and to reduce the carrier rate of pneumococci covered by the vaccine; however, infants younger than two years of age repond inconsistently. Local reactions to the vaccine (soreness at injection site, erythema, induration and tenderness) occur in 86% of adults and nearly all children. The incidence of adverse reactions increases on revaccination. The recommendations of the U.S. Public Health Service and Center for Disease Control on use of the vaccine are presented. Mass immunization with the vaccine is not recommended, but the vaccine may be of benefit in sickle cell, asplenic and elderly patients, and in closed populations.
Related Concept Videos
01:51Vaccinations
01:30Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment
01:28Pneumonia IV: Management
Bacterial Pneumonia Treatment
For bacterial pneumonia, antibiotics serve as the cornerstone of therapy. Initial treatment often begins with empirical antibiotics, tailored to the anticipated causative organism and adjusted based on culture results. Key antibiotic choices include:
01:30Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention
The nurse must practice strict medical asepsis and adhere to infection control guidelines to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
Enhance airway patency
Position the patient correctly to facilitate drainage of the affected lung segments. Manual or mechanical percussion and vibration can also be employed.
01:21Vaccines
01:27Streptococcal Pharyngitis