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Vaccine : 15-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV15)
Manufacturer : MSD
Doses in Routine Series : 2 years and above︰1 dose
Pneumococcus
Pneumococcus is a type of bacteria that commonly colonizes the nasopharynx (upper respiratory tract) of healthy individuals.
It is a gram-positive, encapsulated bacterium that can cause a range of diseases, including pneumonia, meningitis, sepsis, and otitis media (middle ear infection).
Who should get pneumococcal vaccines?
The Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases (SCVPD) recommends children to receive 15-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV15), with 2 primary doses given at 2 and 4 months followed by a booster dose at 12 months, under the Hong Kong Childhood Immunisation Programme (HKCIP).
The Government's Pneumococcal Vaccination Programme will continue throughout the year, providing free or subsidised pneumococcal vaccination for eligible elderly aged 65 years or above. Persons without high risk conditions* are eligible to receive one dose of 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (23vPPV). Persons with high risk conditions* are eligible to receive one dose of 15-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV15), followed by one dose of 23vPPV one year after.
For individuals not eligible for the Government’s Pneumococcal Vaccination Programme, they may choose to receive any locally registered pneumococcal vaccine to protect themselves against invasive pneumococcal disease following the manufacturer’s recommendations and upon discussion with healthcare professionals.
*High-risk conditions include:
- History of invasive pneumococcal disease, cerebrospinal fluid leakage or cochlear implant;
- Chronic cardiovascular (except hypertension without complication), lung, liver or kidney diseases;
- Metabolic diseases including diabetes mellitus or obesity (Body Mass Index 30 or above);
- Immunocompromised states related to weakened immune system due to conditions such as asplenia, HIV/AIDS or cancer/steroid treatment; or
- Chronic neurological conditions that can compromise respiratory functions, the handling of respiratory secretions, increase the risk for aspiration or those who lack the ability to take care of themselves.
Can pneumococcal vaccines be given prior to / after certain medical procedures?
For individuals who will undergo elective splenectomy, pneumococcal vaccines should be given at least 2 weeks before the procedures if possible. Pneumococcal vaccines should ideally be given before or after completion of chemotherapy/radiotherapy but they may still be given as clinically indicated during long term use of chemotherapeutic agents.
Points to note before vaccination appointment:
- Please bring the immunization record (i.e. injection card) and travel documents (i.e. travel pass/passport). If you do not have the injection card, you will not be able to get the vaccine for children.
- All vaccination services need to be booked in advance. For vaccines with multiple doses paid at a time, please make appointment for subsequent vaccination when you get the first doses.
- Please ensure that you have no severe hypersensitivity to the vaccine. (Persons who have egg allergy cannot have flu vaccine and MMRV vaccine, have yeast allergy cannot have Gardasil 9 HPV Vaccine). Please make prior declaration if you have previous known history of any hypersensitivity, and doctor will assess whether you can make appointment for vaccination.
- On the day of vaccination, please ensure that you have no fever. (Those who name a body temperature exceeding 37.5 degrees are not eligible for vaccination).
- Children’s vaccines require professionals to evaluate. Patients are advised to take a photo of the injection card and send it to the clinic beforehand.
- Clinic accepts credit cards and UnionPay etc, and without additional handling fees.
