Final answer:
The Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) is used to prevent pneumococcal diseases, including pneumococcal meningitis and pneumonia. Streptococcus pneumoniae is the bacterium responsible for causing these infections. Vaccines such as PCV13 and PPSV23 are available to protect vulnerable populations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) is used to prevent pneumococcal diseases, including pneumococcal meningitis and pneumonia. Pneumococcal meningitis is caused by the bacterial infection of Streptococcus pneumoniae, which can result in inflammation of the meninges. Pneumococcal pneumonia is caused by the colonization of Streptococcus pneumoniae in the bronchioles and alveoli of the lungs, leading to inflammation and fluid accumulation.
The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) and pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) are available to protect vulnerable populations, such as children under 2 years old and adults over 65 years old.