Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is an important cause of hospitalization and mortality in older adults. And India contributed about 23% of the global pneumonia burden. In a systematic review from India, Pneumococci (or S. pneumonia) was the predominant pathogen in CAP, amounting to 19% of the cases.
Currently, two types of pneumococcal vaccines are available,
pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) and pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine
(PPSV23). These vaccines have been shown to decrease the development of
invasive pneumococcal disease in this age group.
Let us look at the recommendation of theses vaccines in
older adults:
For adults 65 years or older who do not have an
immunocompromising condition and want to receive PPSV23 only:
·
Take one dose of PPSV23.
·
Anyone who has received doses of PPSV23 before the
age of 65 should receive one final dose of the vaccine at age 65 or older.
For adults 65 years or older who do not have an
immunocompromising condition and want to receive PCV13 and PPSV23:
·
Take one dose of PCV13 first, then take
one dose of PPSV23 at least one year later.
·
If you have already received PPSV23, take a dose
of PCV13 at least one year later.
·
If you have taken a dose of PPSV23 before the
age of 65, take one more dose of the vaccine at 65 or older.
