Who Needs Pneumococcal Vaccine And When To Get It

             Written by: Dr. Nitika Makhija

Pneumococcal disease is a leading cause of severe illnesses like pneumonia and meningitis worldwide.

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Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself from the serious risks associated with pneumococcal disease.

Who Needs the Pneumococcal Vaccine?

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– The vaccine is routinely recommended for infants, with the first dose given at 2 months of age. – It’s crucial in preventing life-threatening conditions like pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis.

Children under 5 years

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– Older adults are at higher risk for serious pneumococcal infections due to waning immunity. – The CDC recommends a single dose of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) followed by the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) a year later.

Adults 65 years & older

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People with chronic conditions like diabetes, heart or lung diseases, as well as those with weakened immune systems, should get vaccinated to avoid serious complications.

People with certain health conditions

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Remember! Vaccination schedules vary by age and health status. It’s essential to consult with a doctor to determine the best time to receive the pneumococcal vaccine.