Should the Elderly Get Vaccinated Against Pneumococcus? Approximately 10,000 Deaths per Year!

During the peak of cold and flu season, the elderly are more susceptible to pneumococcal infections than the general population. Contracting pneumococcus can lead to mild sinusitis or middle ear infection, while severe cases can result in invasive pneumococcal diseases such as bloodstream infections, sepsis, and meningitis. Elderly individuals generally have weaker immune systems, and when infected with pneumococcus, the severity of the illness is typically higher. To safeguard their health, vaccination is particularly important for the elderly.

Why Should Seniors Get Vaccinated Against Pneumococcus?

In Hong Kong, pneumonia has long been the second leading cause of death, and the risk of contracting pneumonia increases with age. Statistics reveal that 9 out of 10 deaths caused by pneumonia are individuals aged 65 and above. Shockingly, in 2020, 40% of invasive pneumococcal disease cases were reported in seniors, and in 2021, there were a concerning 9,832 cases of pneumonia-related deaths among elderly individuals in Hong Kong.

As the COVID-19 pandemic persists, the combination of COVID-19 and pneumococcus poses a staggering 5.8 times higher risk of mortality. This presents a significant threat to vulnerable elderly individuals with weakened immunity. The ultimate defense lies in vaccination, offering genuine prevention against disease occurrence.


Is Pneumococcal Vaccination Free for Seniors?

There are various types of pneumococcal vaccines available in the market, such as the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13), 15-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV15), and 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (23vPPV).

For Hong Kong residents aged 65 and above who seek medical care at public clinics and have a high-risk condition#, receive Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA), or hold a valid Certificate for Waiver of Medical Charges, the Government Vaccination Programme offers free/subsidized pneumococcal vaccination at public clinics.

#High-risk conditions include:

(a) History of invasive pneumococcal disease

(b) Immunocompromised states:

Asplenia, HIV /AIDS, primary immunodeficiency

Immunodeficiencies related to malignancies and transplantation

Immunodeficiencies related to use of immunosuppressive drugs / systemic steroid

(c) Chronic disease

Chronic cardiac, pulmonary, liver or renal disease

Diabetes mellitus or CSF leakage

(d) With cochlear implants

The government subsidy level of 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (23vPPV) is HK$400 per dose and subsidy level of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) is HK$800 per dose.

While the 15-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is not covered under the government's subsidy program, it is available for self-payment at private healthcare facilities. re:HEALTH offers the 15-valent pneumococcal vaccine at a price of $1,700. With its innovative technology, it effectively combats the prevailing serotype 3 bacteria in Hong Kong, providing eight times or more antibodies and offering protection for over 10 years. It is the optimal method for safeguarding the health of seniors.

Where to Get Vaccinated and How to Make an Appointment?

Vaccination Subsidy Scheme - Call to make an appointment with a private doctor participating in the Vaccination Subsidy Scheme.

Government Vaccination Programme - Eligible individuals# can receive free vaccinations at designated public clinics.

#Eligible Individuals: Seniors aged 65 and above with high-risk conditions, patients seeking care at public clinics or admitted to hospitals under the Hospital Authority's jurisdiction, or persons receiving Comprehensive Social Security Assistance or holding valid Certificate for Waiver of Medical Charges issued by the Social Welfare Department (regardless of risk conditions).

*Information provided by GSK

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