14 Nov Pneumonia Vaccine updated 10/15

Ok so we in Medicine like to make things as confusing as possible, so let’s see if we can simply the new Pneumonia vaccine recommendations for adults.

There are two vaccines the Pneumvax 23 and the Prevnar 13 vaccine.  Prevnar 13 covers one type that isn’t in Pneumoax 23 and Pneumovax23 covers 11 types that aren’t in Prevnar 13 – both cover 12 of the same serotypes.  For the average adult Prevnar 13 should be given at age 65.  Pneumovax 23 is then given one year later.  Once you do that you are done!  If you have already had Pnuemovax 23 and you are 65 or older, no problem.  Wait one year after you got Pneumovax 23 then get Prevnar 13 – done!

It is ok to get either one of the Pneumococcal vaccines on the same day as the Flu vaccine per the Center for Disease Control.

Here is where it gets a little less clear.  If your Immune system is working ok, but you have Heart disease, Lung Disease, Diabetes, Alcoholism, Chronic Liver Disease or smoke then you should get one Pneumovax 23 between the ages of 19 – 64 years of age.  Another is given at age 65.  If  you received this first Pneumovax 23  between the ages of 61-65 then the next and final Pneumovax 23 is given 5 years later.  Prevnar 13 then can be given anytime after 65 as long as it has been 1 year since you last Pneumovax 23.

If your Immune system is not working, discuss it with you doctor.

Hope this helps!

Here’s to the Journey!