Pneumococcal Vaccination Guidelines

Pneumococcus is a type of bacteria that is prevalent in our environment. Transmitted via coughing and sneezing, the bacteria sometimes don't cause illness, while other times they can lead to a range of symptoms. Pneumococcus can lead to pneumonia, bacteremia (or a systemic bacterial infection) and meningitis. In susceptible people, pneumococcal infections can even lead to death. However, pneumoccal vaccinations can prevent many of these infections. Read on to learn more about pneumococcal vaccination guidelines.

Who?

• The pneumococcal vaccine is recommended only for specific groups of people. The vaccine is highly recommended by the Centers for Disease Control for children under age 2. If a child did not receive the pneumococcal vaccination before age 2, then it's recommended that she be vaccinated by age 5. A pneumococcal shot is also strongly suggested for adults over the age of 65. Anyone should receive the shot if he has a known history of autoimmune disease or is undergoing treatments that lower the body's immune system, such as corticosteroids or radiation therapy. Furthermore, adults from ages 9 to 64 are strongly urged to get this vaccination if they smoke or have a history of asthma.
  Those with any previous anaphylactic reactions to the vaccine or its components should not receive the shot. Those who are sick should wait until they've recovered to receive their pneumococcal vaccination.

Types

• The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is manufactured by Prevnar and is called PCV7. This type of vaccine is used for children younger than 2. The vaccine typically is incorporated into each child's immunization schedule. For people older than 2, Pnu-Immune and Pneumovax are typically the vaccinations used. Pnu-Immune often goes by the name PPSV.

Doses

• Children younger than 2 have a set schedule for the pneumococcal vaccination. Typically, they receive doses at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and between 12 and 15 months. For children older than 2 who did not complete the series of shots, the recommendation is one dose, unless the child has an autoimmune disease or is undergoing treatment that affects the immune system. Then, the dosage is often upped to two separate injections. According to the CDC, the PCV7 shot may be given to children at the same time as other vaccinations, although some experts, such as Dr. Bob Sears of askdrsears.com, suggest separating vaccinations for optimal safety. For adults, no more than one dose every 5 years is the current guideline.