Pneumococcal 23 Vaccination (PNEUMONIA)

Service Description

WHAT IS PNEUMONIA? Pneumococcal disease is an infection caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae. This bacteria — commonly referred to as pneumococcus — is a common cause of pneumonia and other infections. Although pneumonia is a lung infection that can be caused by many different bacteria, viruses, or fungi, the pneumococcus bacteria is the most common cause of pneumonia infection. Pneumococcal pneumonia can be life-threatening. But pneumonia isn't the only risk. Pneumococcus can infect other parts of the body too, and cause serious "invasive” disease like meningitis (bacteria in the brain and spinal cord) and bacteremia (bacteria in the blood). It can also cause sinus and ear infections. WHO SHOULD GET THE VACCINE? Are you on the list? The CDC recommends pneumococcal vaccination for all children under 5 years old and all adults who are at least 65 years old. Although pneumococcal disease can affect people of all ages, younger children and older adults are most at risk. • Adults 65 years of age and older regardless of risk factors or previous pneumococcal vaccination. • Residents of Care Facilities. • Individuals 2 years of age and older with: o Anatomic or non-functional spleen o Sickle cell disease o Immunosuppression related to disease or therapy o Congenital immunodeficiency states o Chronic heart or lung disease (except asthma, unless management involves ongoing high dose oral corticosteroid treatment) o Chronic kidney or liver disease o Solid organ, stem cell or islet cell transplant o Diabetes o Alcoholism o Cystic fibrosis o Chronic CSF leak o Cochlear implant o Homelessness C and/or illicit drug use o Chronic neurological conditions that may impair clearance of oral secretions DO I NEED A BOOSTER DOSE? Booster doses for pneumonia are often not needed. A one time only revaccination of Pneumovax 23 should be offered 5 years after the initial immunization ONLY to those who have: o Anatomic or non-functional spleen o Sickle cell disease o Immunosuppression related to disease or therapy o Congenital immunodeficiency states o Chronic heart or lung disease (except asthma, unless management involves ongoing high dose oral corticosteroid treatment) o Chronic kidney or liver disease o Solid organ, stem cell or islet cell transplant (candidate or recipient)

Contact Details

• 300 Columbia Street #112, Kamloops, BC, Canada