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 7 serotypes of the
pneumonia virus. It is recommended for all children less than 23 months of
age 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
Guidelines for the Use of State Supplied Vaccines below for more information.
Guidelines for the Use
of State Supplied Vaccines (PDF 117kb) (04/04/08)
Vaccine Management - Recommendation for Storage and Handling of Vaccines
Vaccine Information Statements:
Related Information:
External Resources:
Last Update:
06/16/2008 01:49 PM
