A new vaccine against pneumococcal disease (PD) arrived this month in clinics and private laboratories in the country. VPC15 (VaxNeuvance 15-valent), manufactured by MSD, provides protection against 15 serotypes of pneumococcal bacteria (Streptococcus pneumoniae) which causes diseases such as sinusitis, pneumonia, and meningitis.
The Brazilian Society for Immunizations (SBIm) recommends the vaccine for children between the ages of 2 and 15 months, one of the groups most at risk of bacterial infections.
They should take four doses of the vaccine, with a two-month interval between the first and third application (at 2, 4 and 6 months), plus a booster dose between 12 and 15 months of age. In private clinics, the cost of each dose is about 350 Brazilian reais.
In addition to children, SBIm also suggests vaccinating the elderly and people at higher risk of developing invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD). “The vaccine is intended for all groups at increased risk, including diabetics, people with weakened immunity and people with chronic heart disease,” explains SBIm President Monica Levy.
In Brazil, there are three options for pneumococcal conjugate vaccines: 10-valent (VPC10), 13-valent (VPC13), and 15-valent (VPC15). 10-VPC10 is available in the National Immunization Program (PNI), of the Unified Health System (SUS), for children under 5 years of age and protects against ten pneumococcal serotypes. VPC13 is available in SUS only for high-risk patients.
Is it worth taking?
Doctors recommend using VPC13 and VPC15 vaccines whenever possible. “There is no doubt that the availability of a more comprehensive vaccine in the immunization calendar could lead to a reduction in the number of serious cases and deaths from invasive pneumococcal disease in the country,” says the SBIm president.
The difference between 15 and 13 is the addition of serotypes 22F and 33F, both with a small proportion of records in the country’s epidemiology.
Parents of children who have already taken VPC13 need not worry and rush to the clinic. Both versions provide protection against the most dangerous serotypes, 19A and 3: together they are responsible for about 50% of the country’s cases of invasive pneumococcal disease in children under 5 years of age. “In addition to being more aggressive, these serotypes are more resistant to antibiotic treatment,” explains the infectious disease specialist.
Pneumococcal diseases
Pneumococcal diseases are caused by bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniaePneumococcus, which can affect different parts of the body.
Pneumococcus is the most common bacterial cause of pneumonia in children, especially in children under 5 years of age. “Childhood is a period of greatest vulnerability to all infectious diseases,” says pediatrician Juarez Cunha, member of the Immunization Section of the Brazilian Pediatric Society (SBP).
These bacteria are transmitted primarily through respiratory droplets suspended in the air after a person coughs, sneezes, or while speaking. When infected, a patient can develop anything from mild inflammation to more serious conditions.
There are two main types of pneumococcal diseases: non-invasive, such as non-pneumococcal pneumonia and otitis media. and invasive diseases, including pneumonia, meningitis and septicemia.
Follow the health editorial On Instagram And stay up to date on everything related to the topic!
