Pneumococcal bacteria are present in the normal microbiome of the nose of many children and adults. In certain circumstances, such as when immunity is weakened by influenza or other viral upper respiratory infections, pneumococci can cause serious and sometimes fatal illnesses, including the following:

• pneumonia, which even in the age of antibiotics still kills people
• meningitis, which can cause permanent neurologic damage and death
• bone and joint infections
• life threatening blood infections (sepsis)
• ear and sinus infections

The following conditions can make people more susceptible to severe pneumococcal infections:

• age less than 2 in children and over 64 in adults
• absence of a spleen, usually as a result of trauma
• chronic heart, liver, and kidney disease; diabetes; asthma and emphysema
• weakened immune system that occurs with conditions such chemotherapy; HIV/AIDS; alcoholism
• medications that weaken the immune system such as long-term cortisone and newer drugs used to treat autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (e.g. Humira)
• blood disorders such as sickle cell disease
• smoking
• cochlear implants

There are several subtypes of pneumococcal bacteria. A few decades ago, vaccines were developed that are effective against many of these subtypes, and newer vaccines are effective against more. The CDC recommends pneumococcal vaccines at ages 2, 4, and 6 months and again at 12-15 months. Adults 65 and above also need to be immunized, as do older children and adults under 65 who have the aforementioned risk factors.

Although the vaccines are not 100 effective, immunized people who develop pneumococcal disease usually have less severe disease, with shorter courses, compared to non-immunized people. Side effects other than mild discomfort at the injection site are rare.

“Pneumonia shots” can be obtained in doctors’ offices, pharmacies, and public health offices. It’s important to remember that there are some subtypes of pneumococci that the shots don’t cover, and that certain other bacteria can cause pneumonia.

Dr. Greg Feinsinger is a retired family physician who started the non-profit Center For Prevention and Treatment of Disease Through Nutrition. For questions or to schedule a free consultation about nutrition or heart attack prevention contact him at gfeinsinger@comcast.net or 970-379-5718.