pneumonia vaccines (Pneumovax & Prevnar)
KEY POINTS
1. Pneumococcal pneumonia is the most common bacterial infection that complicates influenza.
2. The most common source of outpatient acquired bacterial pneumonia, pneumonia in children under 5 yrs, and nursing home pneumonia. Children in group care are at increased risk.
3. Vaccine targets,
a. > 65 yrs-old; booster at >5yrs (once)
b. 2-18yrs-old, when have underlying conditions, such as immune-compromising conditions, chronic diseases, etc. (discuss with a physician)
c. Long-term care facility residents
4. Pneumococcal vaccine is very underutilized and the pre-travel medical evaluation is an opportunity to update it along with other “standard” vaccines.
Disease: Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus), a bacterium, causes a number of disease states,
Pneumonia
Bacteremia (“blood poisoning”)
Meningitis (infected spinal fluid compartment)
Sinusitis/Ear Infections
Some pneumococcal bacterial strains are becoming increasingly antibiotic resistant, so vaccination is more important than ever.
Prevalence:
Worldwide
Most prevalent in winter and early spring
Crowding is a factor in outbreaks.
Transmission: Person-to-person by aerosol droplets and direct contact (kissing, hands)
Treatment: Antibiotics
Prevention: Vaccines (Pneumovax & Prevnar)
1. Dose: Intramuscular or subcutaneously, 0.5cc
2. Booster : 5 years after 1st dose
a. Only 2 doses/lifetime
3. Side-Effects
a. Minor: injection site pain, swelling, redness
b. Systemic: (very uncommon): fever, muscle aches
4. Precautions/Contraindications
a. Postpone vaccination with moderate illness.
b. Avoid vaccine during pregnancy unless patient is in an high-risk group.
c. Vaccine may be administered along with other vaccines.
5. Targets,
a. > 65yrs-old; booster at >5yrs (once)
b. 2 – 18yrs-old when have underlying conditions, including immune-compromising conditions, chronic diseases, etc. (discuss with a physician)
c. Long-term care facility residents
6. Special Considerations
a. Preventive penicillin for high-risk children after disease exposure
b. Pneumococcal vaccine is very underutilized and the pre-travel medical evaluation is an opportunity to update it along with other “standard”” vaccines.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Online: Schedule an Appointment.
Call Us: (713) 550-2000 A customer service representative will help you choose an appointment time, and can forward any documents you will need to complete.