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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.
  • The PPV23 vaccine is indicated only for children who may be at increased risk for serious complications due to certain medical conditions. See the Immunization Guidelines for the Use of State-Supplied Vaccines (PDF, 82 KB) August 20, 2009, for more information.

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:

• PCV7
• PPV23

Related Information:

• Vaccine Advisory Committee Recommendation for Use of the Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV7) (PDF, 11 KB)
• Vaccine Advisory Committee Recommendation for Use of the Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine for Adults (PDF, 11 KB)
• Standing Order: Influenza and Pneumococcal Vaccination for Adults (PDF, 11 KB)

External Resources:

• National Immunization Program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Locate my local health department

 

Last Update: 08/24/2009 11:01 AM