Table of Contents
- Highlights
- Introduction
- Symptoms of Severe Reactions to Vaccinations
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis
- Measles, Mumps, and Rubella
- Varicella-Zoster Virus (Chickenpox)
- Varicella-Zoster Virus (Shingles)
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Pneumococcal Pneumonia
- Poliomyelitis
- Viral Influenza
- Haemophilus Influenzae Type B
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
- Rotavirus
- Smallpox
- Other Vaccinations
- Vaccinations for Travelers to Developing Countries
- Resources
- References
- The 13-valent (strain) pneumococcal conjugate vaccine Prevnar (PCV13) for all infants and children below five years of age.
- The 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (Pneumovax, Pnu-Immune) or PPSV23 for some adults and older children.
Candidates for the Pneumococcal Vaccine
The new 13-valent conjugate vaccine Prevnar (PCV13) replaces its previous version, PCV7, and is very effective in children. The vaccine has reduced hospital admissions for pneumonia in children under age 2 by up to 40 %. The vaccine has even lowered hospital admissions among adults aged 18 - 39, likely because they are parents of young children who might otherwise have been exposed to the disease. Recurrent ear infections in children have fallen by 28% since the introduction of the vaccine.
The recommended schedule of immunization for Prevnar (PCV13) is 4 doses, given at 2, 4, 6, and 12 - 15 months of age. Infants starting immunization between 7 and 11 months should have 3 doses. Children starting their vaccinations between 12 and 23 months only need 2 doses. Those who are over 2 years old need only 1 dose.
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Click the icon to see an image of pneumococcal pneumonia. |
The 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine or PPSV is recommended for the following older children or adults:
- Anyone older than two years of age with heart disease, lung disease (including asthma), kidney disease or on dialysis; alcoholics, people with diabetes, cirrhosis, or those with cochlear implants or leaks of cerebrospinal fluid.
- All people over 65 years old; some experts believe that all adults aged 50 - 64 should also be vaccinated. Adults over 65 who received a pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine before they were 65 should receive a second dose after they turn 65.
- Adults aged 19 - 64 who have asthma or smoke should receive a single dose of PPV.
- Those with sickle cell disease
- Those with a nonworking spleen and those who have had their spleen removed (should receive a second vaccine five years or more after the first dose)
- Persons with conditions that weaken the immune system, such as cancer, HIV infection, or organ transplantation
- Persons who receive chronic (long-term) immunosuppressive medications, including steroids
- Individuals with immune deficiencies or those undergoing treatments that suppress the immune system (should receive a second vaccine 5 years or more after the first dose)
- Patients with autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, although protection may not be as strong for these patients.
- Older people who have had transplant operations or those with kidney disease may require a revaccination after 6 years.
- People living in long-term care facilities.
- Alaska Natives or Native Americans over age 65 who live in areas with high rates of invasive pneumococcal disease. In certain communities, public health authorities may recommend vaccination for those 50 - 65 years of age, or younger.
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Review Date: 10/12/2010
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine,
Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital.
Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M.,
Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
