Pneumococcal Vaccine
Pneumococcal vaccine is very good at preventing severe disease,
hospitalization, and death; however, it is not guaranteed to prevent all symptoms
in all people. There are two different pneumococcal vaccines:
- Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) contains seven serotypes of the pneumoncoccal bacteria. It is recommended for all children less than
age 23 months and high-risk children aged 24-59 months. Learn
more about PCV7.
- Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23)
protects against 23 types of pneumococcal bacteria. It is recommended for
adults aged 65 years and older, as well as for people aged 2 years and
older with certain long-term illnesses.
Learn more about PPV23.
Washington State is currently supplying:
- Wyeth Lederle (PCV7) vaccine, brand name, Prevnar. The vaccine
has normal availability.
- Merck (PPV23) vaccine, brand name, Pneumo 23, for high-risk
children aged less than 19 years. The vaccine has normal availability.
Immunization Guidelines for the Use
of State-Supplied Vaccine (PDF, 83 KB) July 1, 2009
Vaccine Management - Recommendation for Storage and Handling of Vaccines
Vaccine Information Statements:
Related Information:
External Resources:
Last Update:
08/24/2009 11:01 AM