PNEUMONIA

Introduction to Apexxnar: An Effective Pneumococcal Vaccine

Apexxnar is a new and advanced vaccine that protects against Streptococcal Pneumoniae (pneumococci).

The vaccine contains carefully selected sugars taken from the capsule of the pneumococcus. These have been purified and combined with a carrier protein to enhance the immune system's ability to recognize and respond strongly to them. Apexxnar covers sugars from 20 varieties of pneumococci, which are known to cause serious diseases such as pneumonia, meningitis and blood poisoning.

The vaccination has been approved for use in the EU in 2023. The side effects of Apexxnar are milder than with other types of pneumococcal vaccines.

What diseases are caused by infection with pneumococci?

Pneumococci can cause a variety of infections, especially in people with weakened immune systems, children and the elderly. Below are some of the diseases that can occur as a result of an infection with pneumococcal bacteria:

1. Pneumonia: Pneumococcus is a common cause of bacterial pneumonia. Symptoms may include fever, cough, shortness of breath and chest pain.
2. Ear infections: Pneumococci can cause ear infections, especially in children. This can lead to ear pain, hearing loss and in some cases fluid from the ear.
3. Sinusitis: Pneumococcal infection can also involve the sinuses and cause symptoms such as facial pain, headache and runny nose.
4. Meningitis: This is a serious infection of the brain barrier. Pneumococcus is one of the bacteria that can cause meningitis, which can have serious consequences, including neurological problems.
5. Blood poisoning (sepsis): Pneumococci can cause infection in the bloodstream, which can lead to sepsis. This is a serious condition that can have potentially fatal consequences.

Who is recommended vaccination with Apexxnar?

Vaccination with Apexxnar can be used for people aged 18 and over. The elderly are particularly at risk. People who have an increased risk of frequent or severe pneumococcal infections can obtain a conditional subsidy for the vaccine via their doctor. This does not apply to people who are healthy.

The aim is to prevent diseases such as pneumonia, blood poisoning and meningitis.

Vaccination program

1 dose is given for vaccination against pneumococci with Apexxnar. The protection is expected to be lifelong.

Apexxnar can be given just 12 months after previous vaccination against pneumococci, e.g. Pneumovax 23.