Health News
Who should consider pneumococcal vaccination?

Feb 5, 2008, 08:58

Pneumococcal vaccination should be considered by people in the following groups:

       Adults 65 years of age and older.

       Persons > 2 years of age with chronic heart or lung disorders including congestive heart failure, diabetes mellitus, chronic liver disease, alcoholism, spinal fluid leaks, cardiomyopathy, chronic bronchitis or emphysema (COPD) or emphysema.

       Persons > 2 years of age with spleen dysfunction (such as sickle cell disease) or lack of spleen function (asplenia), blood malignancy (leukemias), multiple myeloma, kidney failure, organ transplantation or immunosuppressive conditions, including HIV infection.

       Alaskan natives and certain American Indian populations.

       If elective surgical removal of the spleen (splenectomy) or immunosuppressive therapy is planned, the vaccine is given two weeks prior to the procedure, if possible.

Who should not receive pneumococcal vaccine?

The pneumococcal vaccine should not be received by persons with a prior history of hypersensitivity reactions to the vaccine.

The safety of PPV during the first trimester of pregnancy has not been evaluated. Pregnant women or those contemplating pregnancy should consult their doctors for additional information.