Pneumococcal Vaccine (Pneumovax)

• Adults who are 65yrs of age or older
• people 2-64yrs of age who have chronic illness or other risk factors
• people living in special environments or social settings (including Alaska Natives and certain American Indian populations)
• those at highest risk of fatal pneumococcal infection
• immunocompromised persons including those with HIV infection
• those who received an organ or bone marrow transplant
• pregnant women with high-risk conditions

• Routinely given as a one-time dose; administer if previous vaccination history is unknown.
• One-time revaccination is recommended 5yrs later for people at highest risk of fatal pneumococcal infection or rapid antibody loss (e.g., renal disease) and for people >65yrs of age if the 1st dose was given prior to age 65 and >5yrs have elapsed since previous dose
• May give with all other vaccines but as a separate injection.

• Previous anaphylactic reaction to this vaccine or to any of its components.
• Moderate or severe acute illness.
• Pregnancy or breast feeding is NOT a contraindication.

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