The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) now recommends that seniors 65 years and older receive two pneumonia vaccines to assist in the prevention of pneumonia. Seniors are advised to review and revise their vaccination schedule as necessary to include the Prevnar 13 and Pneumovax 23 vaccines. The CDC states that only 60% of adults 65 years and older have been vaccinated against pneumonia.
Why Has The Pneumonia Vaccination Schedule Changed?
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) periodically reviews adult vaccine schedules and has now recommended a change in the vaccination schedule. Two pneumonia vaccines are recommended beginning in 2015.
What is Prevnar 13?
Prevnar 13 is also known as PCV, the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. It provides protection against 13 pneumococcal strains. The following strains are included in the Prevnar 13: Strains 1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19A, 19F, 23F.
The vaccine can be administered to adults 50 year and older according to the manufacturer and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA.) The CDC recommends Prevnar 13 for adults 65 years and older, children younger than five years old and people with comprised health due to specific conditions or risk factors.
What is Pneumovax 23?
This vaccine is commonly known as the pneumovax 23, pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine or PPSV23. It aids in prevention of the following 23 strains (serotypes): strains 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6B, 7F, 8, 9N, 9V, 10A, 11A, 12F, 14, 15B, 17F, 18C, 19F, 19A, 20, 22F, 23F, 33F.
Pneumovax 23 can be administered to adults aged 50 years and older along with persons at high risk for pneumococcal diseases. The CDC recommends adults aged 65 years and older received the Pneumovax 23; children under the age of 2 are not approved to receive this vaccine.
Can The Vaccines Be Given Simultaneously?
No.
There is a waiting period between receiving each pneumonia vaccine. The waiting period differs depending upon if a person received Prevnar 13 first or Pneumovax 23 first.
The CDC addresses the timing of the vaccines in conjunction with the 2015 recommendation on its’ website along with the criteria necessary as to when and who should be vaccinated.
Specific Immunization Schedule For Both Vaccines
The CDC has a specific vaccination schedule for adults and this is based upon the ACIP recommendations for adults 18 years and older.
Are The Vaccines Effective?
Pneumonia vaccines help hinder infection of individuals by the bacteria or viruses that can cause pneumonia. Children younger than five years old and adults older than 65 years old are in a higher risk group to contract pneumonia.
Two types of pneumonia exist depending upon where the pneumonia is contracted: community acquired pneumonia is acquired outside of the hospital and healthcare-associated pneumonia is acquired in a health care facility.
Recommended Reading:
Vaccine Schedule For Adults – CDC
Flu Vaccine 23% Effective in 2015
Andria Perry says
I have never had these vaccines but I take my flu shot yearly, I did have pneumonia once an it was horrible!
tab says
That is what I have seen with pneumonia as a caregiver.
Sandy KS says
Are peopel with other health concerns included in this group as well? Such as those with diabetis that make it hard to fight infections?
tab says
It is definitely highly recommended that anyone +65 concur with their physician prior to receiving the vaccines. Same for high risk groups under 65 who may benefit from the vaccines is to evaluate possible vaccines with a physician.
Juan Paolo Carlos Miranda Carlos says
We are fighting diseases that are constantly changing. it is really best to be wary of the world around us. We must keep ourselves safe.