Winter brings seasonal infections, more time spent indoors in shared spaces and heightened health concerns for older adults. Coughs and colds are the most talked about, but there are two bacterial infections worth knowing about: meningococcal and pneumococcal disease. Both can cause serious illness, including meningitis, which can develop quickly and need emergency care.
“Bacterial meningitis can be deadly, killing one in six people who get it, and leaving one in five with severe complications,” according to the World Health Organization (WHO). These figures are for all bacterial meningitis, not just meningococcal or pneumococcal.
Winter is a good time to review preventive healthcare, but that doesn’t mean everyone needs both vaccines automatically. First, understand your personal risk and the vaccine options available.
Why do these infections deserve attention during winter?
Healthcare services can face extra demands during seasonal respiratory illnesses and close contact in shared indoor settings can create more opportunities for some infections to spread. Some bacterial infections can also become serious very quickly so it is important to be aware and seek medical care promptly.
Meningococcal disease is caused by Neisseria meningitidis and pneumococcal disease is caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. Both bacteria can cause meningitis but also can cause other serious infections.
Close contact and certain crowded settings can increase the risk of meningococcal transmission. Pneumococcal bacteria can cause pneumonia, bloodstream infections, ear infections and sinus infections. Older adults, young children and people with weakened immune systems can face a higher risk of severe pneumococcal disease pneumococcal vaccination explains the illnesses associated with pneumococcal infection.
1. Meningococcal disease: recognise the warning signs!
Meningococcal disease can cause meningitis or septicaemia, a serious bloodstream infection. Symptoms may start as a flu-like illness but quickly get worse.
Common meningococcal symptoms include:
- Fever, severe headache and a stiff neck
- Nausea, vomiting or sensitivity to light
- Confusion or unusual drowsiness
- Cold hands and feet, rapid breathing or severe muscle pain
- A dark purple rash in later stages of bloodstream infection
Not everyone develops every symptom, and a rash may not appear. Suspected meningococcal disease requires immediate medical attention. The CDC's meningococcal symptoms guide provides further information.
A meningococcal vaccine protects against certain meningococcal groups. The right product will be dependent on age, medical history, risk of exposure and travel requirements.
For example, a meningococcal One vaccine is targeted against serogroup A and a quadrivalent MenACWY vaccine protects against serogroups A, C, W and Y. Meningococcal B vaccines target a different population. These products are not interchangeable, and a clinician should verify which vaccine is appropriate.
2. Pneumococcal disease: it’s more than just a chest infection!
Pneumococcal disease can cause pneumonia, meningitis and infections of the bloodstream. It can be particularly serious for older adults and people with chronic heart, lung, kidney or liver conditions, diabetes or weakened immune systems.
A pneumococcal vaccine reduces the risk of certain infections caused by the bacterial types covered by that vaccine. A pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) is designed to help the immune system recognise selected pneumococcal types.
Pneumococcal vaccination for adults should be considered according to age, health conditions, vaccination history and applicable Indian recommendations. The Indian consensus guidelines on adult pneumococcal vaccination explain risk-based recommendations for adult vaccination.
The pneumococcal vaccine schedule is not the same for everyone. Depending on the product and on the individual’s situation, vaccination may be one dose or a series of different vaccines given over time.
Meningococcal vs Pneumococcal protection: what is the difference?
|
Key Points |
Meningococcal Vaccination |
Pneumococcal Vaccination |
|
Bacterium |
Neisseria meningitidis |
Streptococcus pneumoniae |
|
Serious illnesses prevented |
Certain forms of meningitis and bloodstream infection |
Certain forms of pneumonia, meningitis and bloodstream infection |
|
Who may need assessment? |
People with specific risk factors, exposure or travel requirements |
Older adults and people with certain medical conditions or other risk factors |
|
Is it needed by everyone? |
No; recommendations depend on individual circumstances |
No; recommendations depend on age, risk factors and vaccination history |
Neither vaccine prevents every cause of meningitis or pneumonia. The vaccines protect against specific bacterial groups or types.
Who should be vaccinated before winter?
It may be especially useful for people in the following groups to discuss vaccination with a healthcare professional:
- Older adults who might be at increased risk for severe pneumococcal disease.
- People with certain chronic medical conditions like some heart, lung or immune system problems.
- Those most at risk of exposure include some students living in shared accommodation and travellers to areas where meningococcal vaccination is advised.
- Individuals with incomplete vaccination history who may require assistance in deciding appropriate doses.
Not all people in these groups will need to get both vaccines. A healthcare professional can help evaluate medical history, prior doses and current recommendations to see if vaccination is appropriate.
Why is it better to plan vaccination early?
Waiting until illness is circulating may shorten the time available to review eligibility, arrange vaccination, and complete any required doses. Several vaccines have more than one dose, with different timing between products.
Planning ahead also allows families time to enquire about vaccine availability, side effects, precautions and documentation. Vaccination does cut down the risk of some infections, but offers no complete protection and so routine precautions and prompt medical advice if warning signs appear remain important.
What about vaccine schedules and side effects?
The meningococcal vaccine schedule depends on the vaccine type, age, reason for vaccination and whether the person remains at increased risk. Some people will only need one dose, others may need several doses, or boosters.
Similarly, the pneumococcal vaccine schedule for adults depends on the vaccine product, age, medical conditions and previous doses. International schedules may differ from Indian recommendations, so US guidance should not automatically be applied to patients in India.
Both vaccines can cause temporary reactions. Common meningococcal vaccine side effects include soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site, headache and tiredness. Pneumococcal shot side effects can include injection-site pain, mild fever, fatigue and muscle aches. Severe allergic reactions are rare. The CDC's vaccine safety information explains common reactions and when medical attention is necessary.
Plan ahead with INVC!
Winter is a good time to look at vaccination status, especially for those at higher risk. Meningococcal and pneumococcal infections can be serious, but not everyone needs to be vaccinated. By reviewing medical history, understanding the correct vaccine, and planning ahead, people can make informed decisions about preventive healthcare.
INVC offers vaccination services at home and at centers, depending on vaccine and availability at the location. For more information please visit the INVC service for meningococcal vaccination and the pneumococcal vaccination service.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does winter increase the risk of meningococcal and pneumococcal disease?
Seasonal patterns vary by disease and location. Winter is a useful time to review vaccination status.
2. Who may need a pneumococcal vaccine?
It might be helpful for older adults and people with certain medical conditions. A health professional can give advice.
3. How are meningococcal A and MenACWY vaccines different?
A vaccine targeting meningococcal serogroup A protects against that group, while MenACWY covers four groups: A, C, W and Y. The appropriate option depends on the reason for vaccination and applicable recommendations.
4. How much does the meningococcal vaccine cost in India?
Price varies by vaccine and provider. Indicative prices are published on the INVC page for meningococcal vaccination.
5. How much does the pneumococcal vaccine cost in India?
Price varies by vaccine brand and provider. You can find indicative pricing on the INVC pneumococcal vaccination page.
6. How can someone find a meningococcal vaccine near me?
Check vaccine availability, consultation and administration options with a local provider. INVC offers home and centre vaccination, subject to availability.
