Pneumococcus and Meningitis: Preventing the Most Common Serotype 3 in Hong Kong

October 5th is World Meningitis Day, raising awareness about meningitis. Meningitis is commonly caused by Neisseria meningitidis or Streptococcus pneumoniae, with the latter being more prevalent in Hong Kong.

The Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases (SCVPD) has found that children aged 2 to 4 and adults aged 65 and above are at high risk for invasive pneumococcal disease. The most common type of pneumococcus causing this infection is serotype 3, accounting for approximately 50% of all cases between 2015 and 2019.

In addition, the Hong Kong Paediatric Society and the Hong Kong Society for Paediatric Immunology Allergy and Infectious Diseases conducted a public survey, revealing that nearly 50% of respondents expressed no concerns about pneumococcal vaccines. Furthermore, almost 80% of respondents had not received the pneumococcal vaccine, indicating a widespread underestimation of the risks associated with pneumococcal infections.


Serotype 3: The Most Common Pneumococcal Strain in Hong Kong

Currently, the medical community has identified nearly 100 serotypes of pneumococcus, with approximately 30 capable of invading the human body and causing infections. Research indicates that prior infection with one serotype does not confer immunity against other serotypes of pneumococcus.

In high-risk individuals with weakened immune systems, such as children and the elderly, infection with pneumococcus can lead to severe diseases such as pneumonia, otitis media, and meningitis. In unfortunate cases of meningitis, some patients may experience lingering sequelae such as altered consciousness and delayed behavior even after recovery. Prevention measures should be taken prior to infection to mitigate these risks.

According to Professor HUNG Fan Ngai, a member of SCVPD under the Department of Health, among the various serotypes of pneumococcus, serotype 3 is the most common in Hong Kong. Infections caused by serotype 3 are often more severe, requiring hospitalization and occasionally leading to complications and death. However, the government-provided free 13-valent vaccine does not include protection against serotype 3, indicating a lack of targeted coverage against pneumococcus.

EC Healthcare Introduces the Latest 15-valent Pneumococcal Vaccine

EC Healthcare, your first line of defense, has recently introduced the next-generation 15-valent pneumococcal vaccine. This vaccine enhances antibody production against pneumococcus by eightfold, providing the most effective prevention against serotype 3 pneumococcus and other serotypes. To prevent severe complications such as meningitis and sepsis resulting from pneumococcal infection, parents are encouraged to have their children vaccinated as early as possible.

Provides precise protection against serotype 3 pneumococcus prevalent in Hong Kong.

Prevents 15 serotypes of pneumococcus (1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19A, 19F, 22F, 23F, 33F).

Increases antibody levels by over 8-fold.

15-valent pneumococcal vaccine offers more than 60% immune efficacy against targeted strains.

Single dose provides protection for over 10 years.

Approved by FDA and European Union for use.

Widely used in countries such as the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.

Suitable for infants aged 6 weeks and older.

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