Why are vaccines for pneumonia important for elderly?
Pneumococcal vaccines help protect against some of the more than 90 types of pneumococcal bacteria that contribute to the burden of pneumonia, meningitis, bacteremia, sinusitis, and otitis media.
According to the ACIP recommendations published in September 2014, both pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13, Prevnar 13, Pfizer) and pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23, Pneumovax, Merck) should be administered routinely in a series to all adults age 65 years and older. The two vaccines should not be given at the same visit.
Also Read: Are Vaccines effective in preventing Pneumonia?
In addition to adults age 65 years and older, adults age 19 through 64 years who have the conditions specified below and who have not previously received PCV13 should receive a PCV13 dose during their next vaccination opportunity.
- Immunocompromising conditions (e.g., congenital or acquired immunodeficiency, HIV, chronic renal failure, nephrotic syndrome, leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin disease, generalized malignancy, immunosuppression by corticosteroids or chemotherapy, solid organ transplant, and multiple myeloma)
- Functional or anatomic asplenia (e.g., sickle cell disease and other hemoglobinopathies and congenital and acquired asplenia)
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak
- Cochlear implant
For further information on the vaccine please visit your physician.