Which vaccine is the most widely used vaccine against a bacterium that causes deadly pneumonia and meningitis?
Quick Answer
The pneumococcal vaccine is one of the most widely used vaccines against a bacterial cause of pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infection. Conjugate versions are used routinely in children.
The Full Story
Pneumococcal vaccines protect against Streptococcus pneumoniae, a bacterium that can cause pneumonia, meningitis, sepsis, and ear infections. Conjugate pneumococcal vaccines are now part of routine childhood immunization schedules in many countries. They have greatly reduced invasive pneumococcal disease in vaccinated children and, through herd effects, in some adults as well. Because the bacterium has many serotypes, vaccine design has continually evolved to cover the most important ones.
Key Facts
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