Invasive pneumococcal infections in adults

Meningitis, septicaemia, pneumonia and other invasive pneumococcal infections are serious infections caused by a bacterium, Streptococcus pneumoniae, of which there are many serotypes. This germ is the main cause of bacterial meningitis (inflammation of the meninges) in children under 2 years of age.

Pneumococcus is also responsible for septicaemia and bacteraemia (blood infections) and pneumonia (lung infections) in children, the elderly and people in high-risk groups (immune deficiency, absence of spleen, etc.). These infections can be fatal or leave serious sequelae.

Pneumococcus is transmitted through respiratory droplets, spittle, saliva or direct contact with a person carrying the bacteria.

Since 1 September 2018, vaccination against pneumococcal pneumonia for people aged 65 and over and those at particular risk has been 100% covered. To this end, a pneumococcal vaccination programme has been set up (on medical prescription).

The programme aims to prevent invasive pneumococcal infection through specific vaccination of the target population, thereby minimising the risk of complications, which are a major cause of morbidity and premature mortality.

People covered by the programme

Healthy adults

  • Adults aged 65 and over

Patients at specific risk

  • Immunocompetent individuals at increased risk of developing pneumococcal infection (population with comorbidities), namely:
    • People with chronic lung disease;
    • Smokers;
    • People with chronic heart disease;
    • Alcoholics with or without cirrhosis;
    • Individuals with chronic kidney disease;
    • Individuals with a meningeal breach or cochlear implant.
  • Immunocompromised individuals:
    • Congenital absence of the spleen or splenectomy or functional asplenia;
    • Sickle cell disease or other haemoglobinopathies;
    • Congenital immunodeficiency;
    • Neoplasms;
    • Organ transplantation;
    • HIV infection;
    • Immunosuppressive treatment.

Vaccination schedule

The CSMI recommends administering:

For healthy individuals aged 65 and over

  • who have not been previously vaccinated: A single dose of PCV20 should be administered. No booster is necessary.
  • who have previously been vaccinated with PPV23: One dose of PCV20 should be administered at least one year after PPV23. No other booster is necessary
  • who have previously been vaccinated with PCV13: One dose of PPV23 vaccine should be administered at least two months after PCV13. No other booster is necessary

For immunocompromised individuals aged >18 years at risk of complications or severe pneumococcal infection

  • who have not been previously vaccinated: A single dose of PCV20 should be administered, followed by a booster with PPV23 every 5 years.
  • who have been previously vaccinated with PPV23: One dose of PCV20 should be administered at least one year after PPV23, followed by a booster dose of PPV23 every 5 years.
  • who have previously been vaccinated with PCV13: One dose of PPV23 vaccine should be administered at least 2 months after PCV13, followed by a booster dose of PPV23 every 5 years.

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