| Pneumococcal disease is an infection caused by a type of bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae(pneumococcus). There are different types of pneumococcal disease. Pneumococcus (a type of bacteria) is in many people's noses and throats and is spread by coughing, sneezing, or contact with respiratory secretions. Why it suddenly invades the body and causes disease is unknown. Pneumococcal vaccine is very good at preventing severe disease, hospitalization, and death. However it is not guaranteed to prevent infection and symptoms in all people. |
Usually only one dose of PPSV is needed, but under some circumstances a second dose may be given.
• A second dose is recommended for people 65 years and older who got their first dose when they were younger than 65 and it has been 5 or more years since the first dose.
• A second dose is recommended for people 2 through 64 years of age who: - have a damaged spleen or no spleen - have sickle-cell disease - have HIV infection or AIDS - have cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma - have nephrotic syndrome - have had an organ or bone marrow transplant - are taking medication that lowers immunity (such as chemotherapy or long-term steroids). When a second dose is given, it should be given 5 years after the first dose.
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