Alex Alikiotis
The pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for adults over 65 and those with certain medical conditions or risk factors, including heart disease. While the vaccine has been shown to reduce the risk of myocardial infarction and all-cause mortality, its effect on stroke risk is less clear. A 2014 study found no reduction in the risk of stroke or transient ischaemic attack in patients who had received the pneumococcal vaccine. However, another study suggested that the vaccine could be cardioprotective, offering a 24% decrease in all-cause mortality and a 27% decrease in the risk of myocardial infarction. More research is needed to understand the relationship between the pneumococcal vaccine and stroke risk, particularly in stroke patients.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who should get the pneumococcal vaccine? | The CDC recommends pneumococcal vaccination for children younger than 5 years old, adults 65 years or older, and those aged 6 through 64 with certain medical conditions or risk factors. |
| What is the pneumococcal vaccine? | Pneumococcal vaccines are the best way to protect against serious pneumococcal infections. There are two types of pneumococcal vaccines used in the United States: pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) and pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine. |
| How effective is the pneumococcal vaccine? | The CDC reports that pneumococcal vaccines protect against many, but not all, types of pneumococcal bacteria. The protection offered by these vaccines is good but not 100%. |
| Are there any side effects? | Most people who get a pneumococcal vaccine don't have any serious problems. However, like with medicines, there is a chance of side effects, which are usually mild and go away within a few days. |
What You'll Learn
Pneumococcal vaccine recommendations for stroke patients
The pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for all children under five years old and adults over 65. For adults, the recommendation is based on the idea that older adults are at the greatest risk of serious illness and death from pneumococcal disease. The vaccine helps protect against pneumococcal infections, including invasive disease, which can be life-threatening.
The recommendation is further nuanced for adults between 19 and 64 years old. The CDC recommends that those within this age range who have certain medical conditions or risk factors should get the pneumococcal vaccine. This includes those with underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, as they are more likely to get pneumonia.
The CDC also recommends that individuals consult with a vaccine provider about their vaccination history and a specific vaccine's ingredients. There may be times when someone shouldn't get a pneumococcal vaccine, such as if they have had a life-threatening allergic reaction to any type of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine or any vaccine containing diphtheria toxoid.
It is important to note that the pneumococcal vaccine does not protect against heart attacks or strokes. This was confirmed by a Kaiser Permanente study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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The effectiveness of the pneumococcal vaccine in preventing stroke
The pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for children under 5 and adults over 65, as well as those with a higher risk of pneumococcal disease. While the vaccine has been shown to reduce the severity of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and the risk of mortality associated with it, its effectiveness in preventing stroke is less clear.
Some studies have found a link between acute systemic infections and an increased risk of thrombotic vascular events, including stroke. This has led to the hypothesis that pneumococcal vaccination could protect patients from cerebrovascular attacks. However, the results of studies investigating this hypothesis have been conflicting.
One study found that patients with pneumococcal pneumonia had a 3.65 times higher risk of stroke than the general population, with the risk lasting for at least a year after the pneumonia. This suggests that pneumococcal infection may play a role in "triggering" stroke in high-risk patients.
Another study, which followed 84,170 men aged 45 to 69, found no association between pneumococcal vaccination and a reduced risk of heart attacks or strokes. However, the authors noted that their study was limited by the reliance on ICD codes for diagnosis and the selection bias of including only hospitalized patients with pneumococcal pneumonia.
A meta-analysis of 15 studies with 347,444 patients found that pneumococcal vaccination was associated with a 24% decrease in all-cause mortality and a 27% decrease in the risk of myocardial infarction (MI) when compared to the unvaccinated group, with no significant interaction by baseline cardiovascular risk. However, there was no significant association between pneumococcal vaccination and a reduction in the risk of cardiovascular mortality or stroke.
A different meta-analysis of seven studies found that pneumococcal vaccination was associated with a marginally significant 35% lower risk of stroke. This study included 27,204 individuals over the age of 60 in Catalonia, Spain.
In summary, while some studies suggest that pneumococcal vaccination may have a protective effect against stroke, particularly in high-risk individuals, the evidence is mixed, and more research is needed to confirm any potential benefits.
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The safety of the pneumococcal vaccine for stroke patients
The pneumococcal vaccine is generally considered safe for most individuals and can help protect against pneumococcal infections, which can cause mild to severe illness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States recommends pneumococcal vaccination for all children under five years old and adults over 65. Additionally, the CDC recommends vaccination for those aged 6 to 64 with certain medical conditions or risk factors, such as diabetes or heart disease.
According to the CDC, possible side effects of the pneumococcal vaccine include redness, swelling, pain, or tenderness at the injection site, fussiness in young children, muscle aches, and joint pain. These side effects are usually mild and typically resolve within a few days.
A five-year prospective cohort study by the Kaiser Permanente Department of Research and Evaluation followed 84,170 men aged 45 to 69 and found no association between the pneumococcal vaccine and a reduced risk of heart attacks or strokes. The study suggested that individuals should pursue other strategies to reduce their risk of heart attack and stroke.
On the other hand, a meta-analysis published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine in 2022 found that the pneumococcal vaccine was associated with a decreased risk of all-cause mortality and myocardial infarction (MI). However, the analysis did not find a significant reduction in cardiovascular mortality or stroke.
Another study conducted in Hong Kong, China, followed 36,636 outpatients aged 65 years and older with chronic illnesses. The study found that dual vaccination with the pneumococcal and influenza vaccines resulted in a 33% reduction in ischemic stroke, a 48% reduction in acute myocardial infarction, and a 19% reduction in heart failure compared to the unvaccinated group.
While the evidence regarding the pneumococcal vaccine's effect on stroke risk is mixed, it is generally considered safe for stroke patients as per the CDC recommendations. However, it is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice regarding vaccinations.
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The cost of the pneumococcal vaccine
The pneumococcal vaccine is available at many pharmacies and retailers, including CVS, Walmart, and GoodRx. The cost of the vaccine depends on the retailer and the patient's insurance plan. At GoodRx, the retail price of the vaccine is $154, but with a GoodRx discount, the price can be as low as $110.76 at CVS or $123.92 at Weis Pharmacy. Similarly, Walmart offers the vaccine at $0 copay with most insurance plans, and it is covered under most insurance plans at no cost. Medicare Part B also covers the pneumococcal vaccine at no cost.
The pneumococcal vaccine is recommended by the CDC for children younger than 5 years old and adults 65 years or older. Additionally, the CDC recommends the vaccine for children and adults at an increased risk of pneumococcal disease, including those with certain medical conditions or risk factors.
While the pneumococcal vaccine can help prevent pneumococcal disease, including pneumonia, ear and sinus infections, and meningitis, it is important to note that it does not protect against heart attacks or strokes.
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How often stroke patients should get the pneumococcal vaccine
The pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for adults aged 65 and above, as well as younger adults with certain risk factors. The vaccine is also recommended for children under the age of 5. However, it is unclear how often stroke patients should receive the pneumococcal vaccine. While the vaccine has been shown to reduce the risk of certain cardiovascular events, such as myocardial infarction, there is conflicting evidence regarding its effectiveness in reducing the risk of stroke.
The CDC recommends two types of pneumococcal vaccines: pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) and pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccines. The specific vaccine and dosage depend on the patient's age and vaccination history. For adults 65 and older who have never received a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine or whose vaccination history is unknown, the CDC recommends PCV15, PCV20, or PCV21. If PCV15 is used, a dose of PPSV23 may be needed one year later to complete the vaccination series.
While the pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for individuals with certain risk factors, it is not clear how often stroke patients should receive the vaccine. The frequency of vaccination may depend on individual factors, such as the patient's overall health, vaccination history, and the presence of other underlying conditions. It is important to note that the pneumococcal vaccine is just one aspect of stroke prevention and recovery, and a comprehensive approach to stroke management should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
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Frequently asked questions
The pneumococcal vaccine is not associated with a reduced risk of strokes, according to a study by the Kaiser Permanente Department of Research and Evaluation. However, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the pneumococcal vaccine for people with certain risk conditions, including those with cerebrovascular disease. It is best to consult a healthcare provider about getting the pneumococcal vaccine if you have had a stroke.
The pneumococcal vaccine helps protect against pneumococcal infections, including invasive disease, where the bacteria invade parts of the body that are normally germ-free, such as the blood.
The CDC recommends the pneumococcal vaccine for all children younger than 5 years old, children 5 through 18 years old with certain risk conditions, and all adults 65 years or older. They also recommend it for people aged 19 through 64 with certain risk conditions.
