Pneumococcal diseases are caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria and can lead to severe illnesses such as pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis.¹ In this article, we will explore the importance of pneumococcal vaccination and understand the economic burden of the disease on individuals and society.

Pneumococcal vaccines have been studied to reduce the risk of contracting serious illness due to S. pneumoniae.² There are two types of pneumococcal vaccines available in the Philippines:²

• Pneumococcal Conjugate vaccine (PCV): These vaccines protect against different strains of pneumococcal bacteria. Part of the bacteria is attached to a carrier protein, to improve immune response especially in children. It is recommended for all children younger than 2 years old, adults with certain health conditions and the elderly or those older than 65 years old.
• Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (PPSV): This vaccine also protects against pneumococcal bacteria. In comparison to the PCV, sugar molecules that resemble the surface of certain types of the pneumococcal bacteria is contained in the vaccine and does not have a carrier protein. It is recommended for adults 65 years and older, as well as younger adults with certain health conditions.

The benefits of pneumococcal vaccination include³

• Prevention of serious infections which can be life threatening for children, elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. Examples of which are moderate to severe pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections.
• Reduced risk of hospitalization due to pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections.
• Indirect protection to individuals who cannot receive the vaccine. This is due to the reduced carriage of the bacteria in vaccinated individuals. As a result, people who can’t receive that vaccine, like those allergic to it, can still be protected.

The Economic Impact of Pneumococcal Diseases

The medical costs associated with hospitalizations, doctor visits, and medications can be a huge burden for both individuals and the healthcare system. Additionally, the indirect costs, such as productivity loss due to illness or premature death, further contribute to the economic burden.

A study conducted in the Philippines estimated that the government financial expenditure due to pediatric pneumococcal diseases in 2012 ranges from to PHP5.21 billion and PHP228.9 million for moderate and severe pneumonia, respectively.⁴ This is only based on the PhilHealth claims and excludes out of pocket payments of individuals and families.

The estimated healthcare-related cost for moderate pediatric pneumonia was PHP 24,332 to PHP 75,409, and for severe pediatric pneumonia, PHP 77,460 to PHP 121,301 in those without mechanical ventilation and PHP 97,993 to PHP 141,834 in those with mechanical ventilation.⁴ The medical expenses of patients with long-term complications are often underestimated and can incur additional financial burden.

Based on the estimates above, if a child gets sick with pneumonia and he/she may need to be hospitalized, this may cost at least PHP24,332. If complications from the infection arise, the patient may need further treatment which can amount to PHP141,834. However, these estimated figures are based on the only available data last 2012, and considering inflation, the cost may be even higher.

Analysis done by the Department of Health (DOH) found that locally available Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines could potentially prevent approximately up to 80,697 acute middle ear infection cases; 171,521 pneumonia cases and 8,227 pneumonia-related deaths; and 29,346 Invasive Pneumococcal Disease (IPD) cases and 13,166 IPD-related deaths.⁵

Getting vaccinated with the pneumococcal vaccine costs much less compared to the markedly greater cost of hospitalization due to severe disease.⁶ Clearly, the price of getting vaccinated outweighs the risks and burden of being affected by the disease, and its complications.

Immunization has reduced the number of deaths from infectious diseases dramatically.³ Pneumococcal vaccination is a vital element in preventing pneumococcal disease thereby reducing the physical and economic strain on individuals, society, and the healthcare system. By getting vaccinated, individuals can protect themselves and reduce their risk of contracting serious infection and life-threatening consequences of the disease.³ Seek advice from a healthcare professional on which pneumococcal vaccine is appropriate for you and your loved ones.