Pneumococcal Immunization

Immunization indications/recommendations

• Recommended by the CDC for adults 65 years old
  • Those who receive the vaccine prior to the age of 65 should again be vaccinated at age 65 or later if five years have passed since the first dose
  • Those who are vaccinated for the first time at the age of 65 only need to receive a single dose

• Also recommended for patients 19-64 with underlying risk factors for pneumococcal disease, including:
  • Asthma
  • Cigarette Smokers

• Avoid the pneumococcal vaccine in the following:
  • Patients with allergies to any component of the vaccine
  • Patients who have previously had a severe allergic reaction to the pneumococcal vaccine
  • Patients who are currently experiencing a moderate to severe illness (wait until recovered to receive the vaccine)
  • Pregnant women (although no harm has been reported to either a mother or fetus, women at high risk for pneumonia should be vaccinated, if possible, prior to pregnancy)