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Pneumonia is one of those diseases that have always struck terror in the hearts of human beings. This is probably because it strikes the respiratory system of the body. Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs in which the alveoli, which are the microscopic sacs responsible for oxygen absorption are filled with fluid. Typically, the symptoms involved with pneumonia include difficulty in breathing, chest pain, fever and a regular phlegm filled cough. Viruses, bacteria, fungi or parasites can cause pneumonia in humans. Pneumonia is also not an age specific disease. It can attack children as well as adults. However, the possibility of pneumonia leading to death increases if the person is elderly or is terminally ill. Pneumonia is unique amongst diseases in the wide variations that are observed. This makes treatment equally varied. Pneumonia caused by bacteria which seem to be the most common, are treated with the help of antibiotics. But antibiotics do not work for viral pneumonia. Generally hospitalisation is not needed for pneumonia. However because there are chances of complications especially with the elderly or already ill patients, hospitalisations becomes necessary. In such a situation it is better to prevent pneumonia instead of treating it. There are
2 pneumonia vaccinations that are available to help prevent this disease. These pneumonia vaccinations are helpful in stopping that pneumonia which is caused by the pneumococcal bacteria of which there are more than 80 strains available. However, the 23 strains that are the most active in causing pneumonia are covered in the currently used pneumonia vaccination. But because the pneumonia vaccination is for a specific type of organism, it will not work against pneumonia that is caused by something other than the 23 strains of pneumococcal bacteria in the vaccine. The two pneumonia vaccinations that are available are Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV) which is made of 23 strains bacteria and the Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) which is made of 7 strains. Pneumonia vaccinations are routinely given to children in the US as part of their vaccination schedules. The 23-valent pneumonia vaccine is more suitable for adults and children above the age of 2. This pneumonia vaccination recommended for those who are above 65 yrs of age, those who have chronic heart or lung disorders, those who have abnormal spleen functioning and those who have suppressed immune systems (like HIV). The 7-valent pneumonia vaccine is new and is the first that can be used with children below 2 yrs of age since they do not have a satisfactory immune response to the 23-valent vaccine. The pneumonia vaccination is a safe and effective vaccine. However it should not be taken by pregnant women without consultation with a doctor. Thus, the pneumonia vaccination is one more step towards protecting our children and elderly from life threatening diseases. Childhood Vaccination
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