Pneumonia is a serious lung infection that causes inflammation and fluid build-up in the air sacs of the lungs, making it difficult for oxygen to reach the bloodstream.
This condition can result in severe breathing difficulties, reduced oxygen supply to the body, and life-threatening complications if left untreated.
Once considered uncommon in Malaysia, pneumonia has now emerged as the leading cause of death in the country.
According to Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin, pneumonia accounted for 18,181, or 15.2%, of all medically-certified deaths in 2024.
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Pneumonia can be caused by viruses, fungi or bacteria, but the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae is among the most significant pathogens responsible for this disease.
It is the leading cause of bacterial pneumonia, a condition that poses a greater risk to young children, older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems.
In addition, S. pneumoniae can cause a variety of infections, including meningitis, ear infections and bronchitis, affecting both children and adults.
Globally, the burden of pneumonia increases with age, as older adults are particularly vulnerable to severe disease and complications.
As the global elderly population continues to grow, preventing this infection has become increasingly crucial, and vaccination remains one of the most effective strategies to curb this silent, yet deadly threat.
How vaccination makes a difference
The pneumococcal vaccine plays a vital role in preventing pneumonia caused by S. pneumoniae.
By getting vaccinated, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of developing severe forms of pneumonia that may lead to hospitalisation, long-term complications, or even death.
This preventive measure is not only effective for maintaining individual health, but also helps to reduce the overall burden of respiratory diseases within the community.
Although the pneumococcal vaccine offers protection to everyone, it holds particular importance for individuals in high-risk groups.
These include older adults aged 65 and above, who are more susceptible to severe pneumonia and its complications, as well as children under the age of two years, whose immune systems are still developing.
In addition, people with chronic illnesses or weakened immunity, such as those with diabetes, heart disease or respiratory disorders, are strongly encouraged to get the vaccine to protect against serious infections.
Beyond protecting individuals, widespread pneumococcal vaccination helps reduce the overall transmission of S. pneumoniae in the community.
As vaccination coverage increases, the number of severe infections and related hospitalisations might decline.
Getting vaccinated not only protects individuals from pneumonia and its complications, but also contributes to lowering the frequency of vaccine-preventable diseases over time.
Types of vaccines available
There are two main types of pneumococcal vaccines available in Malaysia: the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) and the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV).
Both vaccines are designed to protect against infections caused by S. pneumoniae, but they differ in the number of bacterial strains covered and the age groups for which they are recommended.
The conjugate vaccines, namely PCV10 and PCV13, protect against 10 and 13 strains of S. pneumoniae respectively.
Among these, PCV13 is the vaccine approved for both children and adults in Malaysia.
It provides strong and long-lasting immunity against the majority of pneumococcal strains responsible for serious infections such as pneumonia and meningitis.
Meanwhile, the polysaccharide vaccine, PPV23, offers protection against 23 different strains of the bacteria.
This vaccine is generally recommended for older adults and individuals with chronic illnesses or weakened immune systems, who are at higher risk of developing severe pneumococcal infection.
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Depending on a person’s age and health condition, healthcare professionals may advise a specific vaccine or a combination of both types for optimal protection.
In Malaysia, the pneumococcal vaccine was officially introduced into the National Immunisation Programme (NIP) in December 2020.
Under this programme, children will receive three doses: the first at four months, the second at six months, and a booster at 15 months.
This initiative marks a significant step forward in the country’s effort to reduce pneumonia-related illness and death among children.
Those who fear vaccines
Although vaccines such as the pneumococcal vaccine have been proven to effectively prevent bacterial pneumonia and other vaccine-preventable diseases, one of the growing challenges in modern public health is the rise of the anti-vaccine movement.
Despite decades of scientific evidence demonstrating the safety and success of vaccines, misinformation continues to spread, creating confusion and fear among the public.
Over the years, the anti-vaccine movement has become an increasing concern due to celebrity influence and the rapid spread of misinformation on social media.
Misinformation has led to various myths, including claims that vaccines contain harmful substances, cause autism or sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), or can infect people with the diseases they are meant to prevent.
Some people mistakenly believe that vaccines can overwhelm the immune system and that it is safer to develop immunity through natural infection.
These false beliefs undermine public confidence and threaten the progress achieved through global vaccination efforts.
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When fewer people choose to vaccinate, communities lose their collective protection, allowing infectious diseases to resurface.
This not only endangers those who refuse vaccination, but also puts vulnerable groups at greater risk of severe infection.
In the case of pneumonia, reduced uptake of the pneumococcal vaccine could result in more hospitalisations, serious complications and preventable deaths.
Advice for the public
Individuals who experience symptoms such as persistent cough, chest pain, fever or difficulty breathing should seek medical attention immediately.
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Early examination allows healthcare professionals to diagnose pneumonia promptly and provide appropriate treatment before the condition worsens or leads to complications.
Those who are at higher risk of developing pneumonia are strongly encouraged to receive the pneumococcal vaccine.
Parents play a crucial role in protecting their children’s health.
They should ensure that their children receive the pneumococcal vaccine according to the NIP schedule by attending appointments at government health clinics.
Completing the vaccination schedule provides lasting protection against pneumococcal diseases during early childhood.
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The public should always seek accurate information about vaccines from reliable and authoritative sources, such as healthcare professionals or the Health Ministry.
It is important to avoid believing or sharing unverified information found on social media, as misinformation can lead to fear, confusion and poor health decisions.
In summary, pneumonia is a serious, but preventable threat.
Therefore, getting the pneumococcal vaccine is essential, especially for vulnerable groups.
Vaccination not only safeguards personal health, but also strengthens community protection.
For any inquiries regarding medicines, please call the National Pharmacy Call Centre (NPCC) at the toll-free number 1-800-88-6722 during weekdays from 8am to 5pm, except on public holidays.
K. Heygaajivan Kernas is a pharmacist with the Negri Sembilan State Health Department and Mohd Shahiri Abd Ghapar is a pharmacist with the Health Ministry’s Pharmacy Practice and Development Division. This article is courtesy of the Division. For more information, email starhealth@thestar.com.my. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only, and should not be considered as medical advice. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this article. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.
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