Pneumococcal Vaccine

Question 1

What does the pneumococcal vaccine protect against?

Answer 1

Streptococcus pneumoniae

Question 2

What are the two types of vaccine??

Answer 2

Conjugate or the polysaccharide vaccine.

The polysaccharide vaccine covers a greater number of serotypes and is more commonly used in comparison the conjugate vaccine.

Question 3

When is it offered?

Answer 3

Pneumococcal vaccine is routinely offered as three injections at the age of 2 months, 4 months and 12-13 months.

Question 4

Who should be offered it?

Answer 4

People aged 65 years and older and those in at risk groups should be offered the pneumococcal vaccine.

Question 5

Who make up the risk groups?

Answer 5

At risk groups include chronic heart, liver or renal conditions.

These include liver cirrhosis, nephrotic syndrome, post-transplant and renal failure.

Additionally, patients who are immunosuppressed due to AIDS or chemotherapy; or have decreased spleen function due to splenectomy, asplenia or sickle cell disease qualify for this group.

Furthermore, patients with chronic lung conditions such as COPD or bronchiectasis would be applicable.

Question 6

Hoe often should some patients get the vaccine?

Answer 6

Some patients within the at risk group require a vaccination every 5 years.

These include patients with decreased splenic function and nephrotic syndrome.