Pneumococcus (also known as *Streptococcus pneumoniae*) has over100serotype, of which approximately30Certain serotypes are more virulent and can cause human infections. In Hong Kong, serotypes3type poses the greatest threat to the human body, with a mortality rate as high as30至47%！
Pneumococcus generally resides in the nasopharynx of healthy individuals. When immunity is weakened, pneumococcus can rapidly multiply and invade the lungs, leading to pneumococcal infection. This causes inflammation and fluid accumulation in the alveoli. Furthermore, the body does not develop antibodies after infection, meaning secondary infections can occur in the future.
Elderly people may not exhibit typical infectious disease symptoms
Anyone can contract pneumococcal disease, yet it is known as the "elderly killer"! The chance of the elderly contracting pneumococcal disease is18至49For healthy people4.8the risk, a person who already has diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or chronic pneumonia will have a higher chance of infection.3.4Times,6.4Magnify8.2Double!
In the initial stage of infection with *Streptococcus pneumoniae*, the bacteria invade the upper respiratory tract, and patients may experience symptoms such as fever, cough, headache, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, and neck stiffness. However, the elderly with weakened immunity may not necessarily show obvious initial infection symptoms. Within a day, a patient's condition can rapidly deteriorate, leading to severe symptoms like coughing up phlegm, vomiting, fever or chills, heavy sweating, chest pain, earache, joint pain, confusion, and fatigue, requiring prompt medical attention.
Why is pneumonia more serious for the elderly?
HealthHuman bodyBreathing道and the lungs are filled with something calledCiliaits structure, which has a shape like fine hairs,will have a surface約2至5A micrometre-thick mucus layercan adsorband inhibitHarmful substances in the airLikeDust,病Poison, thin菌等.but age may diminish this capacityDegeneracy，PneumococcalmainMode of transmissionIs becauseInhalation of substances containingGermDroplets、Direct contact with contents containingGermNasal and oral secretionsOr perhapsGermContaminated objects，Make itPneumococcalEasily accessibleBreathingSystem, induce infection.
On the other hand, most elderly people suffer from chronic illnesses or have weakened immune systems. These factors also make the elderly more susceptible to pneumococcal infections, which can lead to invasive pneumococcal disease.IPDsuch as: respiratory failure, pneumonia, bronchitis, otitis media, sinusitis, septicaemia, meningitis and endocarditis, among other organ damage or fatal diseases.
The duration of a patient's hospital stay for treatment can range from one week to six months. Some patients may experience a decline in lung function even after recovery and require continuous use of a ventilator to support normal lung function. Therefore, taking thorough preventive measures and maintaining good personal hygiene are crucial in preventing pneumococcal infections.
How should the elderly choose the pneumococcal vaccine?
Currently available on the Hong Kong market4Pneumococcal vaccines are available, including:
- 13Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine13inoculation
- 15Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine15inoculation
- 20Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine20inoculation
- 23Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine23vaccination programme
4All pneumococcal vaccines are suitable for65 aged 65 or above, and for the serotypes that are the main causes of pneumococcal infections in Hong Kong3to produce an immune response. And15Vaccine efficacy against seroconversion3more effective than the typical immune antigen presentation13vaccine, can provide multi8double or more antibodies.
In terms of price,23The conjugated vaccine covers the most types of pneumococcal serotypes, but because it is a polysaccharide vaccine, its protection is shorter-lasting. Some studies have also shown23The vaccine appears to be less effective in preventing non-invasive pneumonia caused by pneumococcus.13price15Price and20The conjugate vaccine, also a type of combined vaccine, can induce immune memory, providing relatively long-lasting protection.20The vaccine covers a wider range of serotypes, offering more comprehensive protection to the elderly.
Pneumococcal Vaccination Subsidy Scheme 2023/24
Aged 65 Eligible Hong Kong elders aged 65 or above can receive pneumococcal vaccination at private doctor clinics participating in the "Pneumococcal Vaccine Subsidy Scheme".2023/24Annual Vaccine Subsidy Scheme, the subsidy amounts for pneumococcal vaccines are as follows:
- Per dose13Price or15Vaccination, funding800 Hong Kong dollar
- Per dose23Vaccination, funding400Hong Kong dollar
- 20Vaccines for (price) are not subsidised.
Private doctors may charge additional fees. If the clinic also participates in the Elderly Health Care Voucher Scheme, the elderly can use their vouchers to pay for the relevant doctor's fees. The doctor will provide the following pneumococcal vaccination arrangements based on the elderly person's past medical history and vaccination records:
| Unvaccinated
| Has been vaccinated13價/ 15Vaccine price
| Has been vaccinated23 Vaccine price | Has been vaccinated13價/ 15Price 23Vaccine price |
No high-risk situation | Funded vaccination for one dose 23Vaccine price | No need to vaccinate | No need to vaccinate | No need to vaccinate |
High-risk situation | Fundraising2vaccine, including vaccination with one dose13Price or15Subsidised vaccine, one jab subsidised a year later23Vaccine price | On the last vaccination13Price or15A subsidised booster dose after one year of vaccination23Vaccine price | On the last vaccination23 A subsidised booster dose after one year of vaccination13Price or15Vaccine price | No need to vaccinate |
High-risk situations refer to: individuals with a history of invasive pneumococcal disease, cerebrospinal fluid leak / cochlear implant recipients / individuals with chronic illnesses such as lung disease, liver disease, kidney disease, cardiovascular disease (excluding hypertension without complications) / metabolic diseases (diabetes / Body Mass Index above 30 Obese individuals (BMI of 30 or above) / individuals without a spleen, with AIDS, cancer, HIV infection, weakened or impaired immunity due to steroid treatment, or with chronic neurological diseases that compromise respiratory function, make it difficult to manage respiratory secretions, increase the risk of foreign body aspiration, or lack self-care ability.
Pay for your pneumococcal vaccine using healthcare vouchers and receive an additional $500 reward
I want to get vaccinated.20What can the elderly do about pneumococcal vaccinations? Although20The vaccine is not subsidised under the Pneumococcal Vaccine Subsidy Scheme, but those aged 65 Eligible Hong Kong residents aged 65 or above can continue to use the "Elderly Health Care Vouchers" at clinics registered with the Elderly Health Care Voucher Scheme, such as the Hong Kong仁和體檢中心, for vaccination payments.20The cost of the pneumococcal vaccine.
If an elderly person uses this within the same year, accumulating$1,000or above to purposes such as disease prevention and follow-up or monitoring of chronic diseases (including pneumococcal vaccination), which meets the requirements of the Department of Health's "Elderly Health Care Voucher Incentive Pilot Scheme" and will automatically receive additional$500medical voucher rewards.
For further details, please enquire at Hong Kong Renhe Medical Examination Centre.
Disclaimer: This content is independently written by a third party for informational purposes only, is not sponsored, and cannot replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It does not represent any stance. If you experience any physical discomfort, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly.
