Is the pneumonia vaccine self-funded?
The pneumonia vaccine is primarily aimed at preventing pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae infection. Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most significant and common bacterium causing pneumonia worldwide. This bacterium is also the most common cause of community-acquired pneumonia in children and is the main pathogen causing otitis media, meningitis, and bacteremia in children. Currently, there are two types of pneumonia vaccines available in China: the 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine, which is suitable for people over two years old, and the 7-valent vaccine, which is suitable for infants under two years old. According to the regulations on vaccine distribution and vaccination management implemented in our country, vaccines are clearly divided into two categories: the first category includes vaccines provided free by the government to citizens, who are required to be vaccinated according to government regulations; the second category includes other vaccines that are paid for and voluntarily received by citizens. The pneumonia vaccine belongs to the second category, which is a self-funded vaccine.