Philippine College of Chest Physicians: Media Kit For Pneumonia
Philippine College of Chest Physicians: Media Kit For Pneumonia
Philippine College of Chest Physicians: Media Kit For Pneumonia
What is pneumonia?
Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that is usually caused by bacteria, but can
also be caused by viruses or fungi.
Every year in the Philippines and all over the world, pneumonia is one of the major
causes of morbidity and mortality. It is the 6th leading cause of death overall (CAP CPG
2016). Pneumococcal vaccines are very good at preventing severe disease, needing
treatment in the hospital, and death. However, vaccination is not guaranteed to prevent
infection and symptoms in all people, but most probably lessens severity and
complications.
For low-risk CAP without comorbid conditions, Amoxicillin remains the standard drug
of choice; use of extended macrolides may also be considered. For low-risk CAP with
stable comorbid illness, ß-lactam with ß-lactamase inhjibitor combinations or second
generation cephalosporins with or without extended macrolides are recommended.
For high-risk CAP without risk for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a combination of an IV non-
antipseudomonal ß-lactam with either IV extended macrolide or an IV respiratory
fluoroquinolone. For high-risk CAP with risk for P. aeruginosa, a combination of an IV
antipseudomonal ß-lactam with an extended macrolide and aminoglycoside or a
combination of IV antipneumococcal antipseudomonal ß-lactam and an IV ciprofloxacin
or high dose IV levofloxacin.
Supportive and symptomatic treatment compliments antibiotics. Bed rest and increased
fluid intake are recommended for supportive treatment. Proper hand washing, cough
etiquette and isolation of the sick are important in preventing its spread.
Vaccination is still the best protection against pneumonia. Presently, there are two types
of vaccine in the market. The (PCV13 or Prevnar13®) pneumococcal conjugate vaccine
protects against 13 types of pneumococcal bacteria. The (PPSV23 or Pneumovax23®)
pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine protects against 23 types of pneumococcal
bacteria.
It is routinely given to infants as a series of 4 doses, one dose at each of these ages: 2
months, 4 months, 6 months, and 12 through 15 months. Children who miss their shots
or start the series later should still get the vaccine. The number of doses recommended
and the intervals between doses will depend on the child's age when vaccination begins.
One dose of PCV13 is also recommended for persons 2 to 64 years old who have
increased risk for pneumococcal disease due to certain medical conditions. or older with
conditions that weaken the immune system, such as HIV infection, organ
transplantation, leukemia, lymphoma, and severe kidney disease.
For adults with certain medical conditions (Chronic heart or lung disease, DM,
alcoholism, chronic liver disease, smoker)
• For those who have not received any pneumococcal vaccines, or those with
unknown vaccination history:
➢ Administer 1 dose of PPSV23 at 19 through 64 years.
➢ Administer 1 dose of PCV13 at 65 years or older. This dose should be
given at least 1 year after PPSV23.
➢ Administer 1 final dose of PPSV23 at 65 years or older. This dose should
be given at least 1 year after PCV13 and at least 5 years after the most
recent dose of PPSV23.
For adults with certain medical conditions (CSF leaks, cochlear implants, sickle cell
disease or other hemogliinopathies, congenital or acquired asplenia, congenital or
acquired immunodeficiencies, HIV infection, chronic renal failure, nephrotic syndrome,
leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin disease, generalized malignancy, iatrogenic
immunosuppression, solid organ transplant, multiple myeloma
• For those who have not received any pneumococcal vaccines, or those with
unknown vaccination history:
➢ Administer 1 dose of PCV13, then administer 1 dose of PPSV23 at least 8
weeks later. Administer a second dose of PPSV23 at least 5 years after the
previous dose.
➢ Administer 1 final dose of PPSV23 at 65 years or older. This should be
given at least 5 years after the most recent dose of PPSV23.
• For those who have already received 1 or more doses of PPSV23, or those with
unclear documentation of the type of pneumococcal vaccine received:
➢ Administer 1 dose of PCV13 at least 1 year after the most recent
pneumococcal vaccine dose.
➢ Administer a second dose of PPSV23 at least 8 weeks after PCV13 and at
least 5 years after the previous dose of PPSV23 (note: a second dose is not
indicated for those with CSF leaks or cochlear implants).
➢ Administer 1 nal dose of PPSV23 at 65 years or older. This dose should
be given at least 5 years after the most recent dose of PPSV23.
• For those who have already received 1 dose of PCV13, do not administer an
additional dose at 65 years or older.