Pneumonia - Resources

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The new pneumococcal vaccine PCV 13 is now recommended by many experts for all children up to age 5, and slightly older children with certain medical conditions. Healthy children who received the PCV 7 vaccine will complete their scheduled doses with the newer PCV 13. The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine has now been added to the Recommended Childhood Immunization Schedule. Studies are suggesting that it prevents common ear infections, as well as pneumonia in children.

The recommended schedule of immunization for Prevnar (PCV13) remains the same as the PCV 7 schedule in children: four doses, given at 2, 4, 6, and 12 - 15 months of age. Children starting their vaccinations between 12 and 23 months need only two doses. Those who are over 2 years old need only one dose. It is recommended that certain immunocompromised children be revaccinated once 5 years after the initial vaccination.

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Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine in Older Children and Adults. The pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine is proving to help reduce the rate of pneumonia in older children and adults. Its benefits for adults are unclear.

Still, pneumonia is declining among adults, which may be due to fewer infections transmitted from vaccinated young children.

The vaccine is recommended for:

• High-risk people age 2 or older (this includes persons with heart disease, all lung diseases except asthma, kidney disease, alcoholism, diabetes, cirrhosis, and leaks of cerebrospinal fluid)
• Everyone ages 65 and older
• Those with sickle cell disease
• Those who have had their spleen removed
• Persons who live in nursing homes (extended-care facilities)
• Persons who live in any institution where there are people with chronic health problems
• Persons with conditions that weaken the immune system, such as cancer, HIV, organ transplantation, leukemia or lymphoma
• Persons who receive long-term medications that suppress the immune system (immunosuppressants), including steroids
• Alaskan natives and certain Native American populations

A single dose of the vaccine is given by injection. One dose works for most people. However, re-vaccination is recommended for people over age 65 who received their first dose before age 65 and more than 5 years ago. Other high-risk people, including those with a weakened immune system or spleen problems may also need a second dose after 5 years. You should speak with your doctor about specific reasons for vaccination and revaccination.