The Pneumococcal Vaccine and why it should be avoided:
Four doses of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13 or Prevnar 13) is recommended for children, given at ages 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and 12-15 months.
The CDC also recommends 1 dose of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13 or Prevnar 13) for all adults 65 years or older.
The CDC recommends the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine for all adults 65 years or older (PPSV23 or Pneumovax23).
Pneumococcus, also known as Streptococcus pneumoniae, is a bacteria transmitted by direct contact with respiratory secretions, like saliva or mucus. Many people, especially children, have the bacteria in their nose or throat at one time or another without being ill. Doctors call this “carriage” and do not know why it only rarely leads to sickness.
There are many types of of pneumococcal disease. Pneumococcal pneumonia (lung infection) is the most common serious form.
Symptoms: Fever and chills, cough, rapid or difficulty breathing, chest pain. Older adults with pneumococcal pneumonia may experience confusion or low alertness, rather than the more common symptoms listed above.
Treatment: Antibiotics. Recent data has shown that pneumococcal bacteria are resistant to one or more antibiotics in 3 out of every 10 cases.
Vaccines:
Prevnar13
The vaccine is expected to help protect against 13 types of pneumococcal bacteria; 1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19A, 19F, and 23F. It is also expected to help prevent ear infections (otitis media) caused by 7 types of pneumococcal bacteria (4, 6B, 9V, 14, 18C, 19F, and 23F). This vaccine will not prevent disease caused by types of pneumococcus other than those contained in the vaccine.
Pneumovax23
This vaccine helps protect against serious infections caused by 23 types of pneumococcal bacteria; (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6B, 7F, 8, 9N, 9V, 10A, 11A, 12F, 14, 15B, 17F, 18C, 19A, 19F, 20, 22F, 23F, and 33F). Highlighted serotypes are not in Prevnar 13. This vaccine will not prevent disease caused by types of pneumococcus other than those contained in the vaccine. This vaccine is not approved for use in children under 2 years old because they do not develop an effective immune response.
In June 2019, the ACIP reviewed the use of Prevnar 13 in adults over the age of 65. They found the following:
“Non-PCV13 serotypes now make up the majority of the disease burden” (slide 16). “PCV13 provides minimal public health benefit due to the low remaining disease burden” (slide 27).
“Impact from PCV13 use in older adults observed to date is minimal; no impact on IPD and inconsistent findings across studies for impact on pneumonia. Benefits from continued PCV13 use are expected to be minimal.”
“Economic analyses results do not favor continued PCV13 use”; However, a recommendation change would incur a cost to update electronic medical records, decision support tools etc.
In addition, they fear that changing the recommendations would “negatively impact the perceived importance of future adult vaccine recommendations” (slide 29).
This means, they worry that adults are going to stop trusting their recommendations…
Adverse Events:
- Local reactions (such as pain, swelling or redness) occur in up to half of recipients.
- Approximately 8% of local reactions are considered to be severe (e.g., tenderness that interferes with limb movement).
- Fever occurs in 24%-35% of recipients.
- Decreased appetite or irritability occur in up to 80% of recipients.
- The vaccine is also associated with febrile seizures.
Pneumovax 13 Ingredients Include:
CRM 197 – A mutant diphtheria toxin. There is controversy about its toxicity, with evidence that it is toxic to yeast cells and mammalian cell lines.
Polysorbate 80 – Emulsifier to enhance the delivery of chemicals/drugs from the blood into cells. It is known to emulsify/open the blood brain barrier (BBB), which allows toxins to enter the brain, such as aluminum.
Aluminum Phosphate – Vaccine adjuvant that can bioaccumulate in the brain and has been linked to ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE, dementia, seizures, autoimmune issues, SIDs and cancer.
Pneumovax 23 Ingredients Include:
Phenol (.25%) – Antibacterial preservative. Chemical manufactured from petroleum that is mildly acidic and water-soluble. Requires safe handling due its ability to cause chemical burns.
Resources:
https://www.cdc.gov/pneumococcal/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/pneumo/index.html
https://www.merckvaccines.com/products/pneumovax23
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/imz/child-adolescent.html
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