Pneumonia Vaccine | This is a home-service pneumonia vaccination administered by a licensed medical practitioner and includes a vaccination card. Pneumonia vaccines, including Pneumovax 23 and Prevenar 13, are essential vaccines in the fight against bacterial infections that can lead to pneumonia. Why you need this: Pneumonia vaccines are recommended for those who are at higher risk of developing pneumonia. Vaccination can help prevent pneumonia, as well as reduce the severity of symptoms and potential complications. What is the difference between Pneumovax 23 and Prevenar 13? Pneumovax 23 protects against 23 strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, while Prevenar 13 protects against 13 strains. This means that Pneumovax 23 offers broader protection against more strains of bacteria than Prevenar 13. Both vaccines are highly effective at preventing bacterial infections that can lead to pneumonia. However, the choice between Pneumovax 23 and Prevenar 13 may depend on factors such as age, health status, and the specific strains of bacteria in your region. If you are considering getting vaccinated, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider to determine which vaccine is right for you.

Frequency of shots, dosing schedule for children and adults:

Pneumovax 23: A single dose is recommended for adults aged 65+, and for individuals aged 2 - 64 who have certain medical conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, chronic liver disease, or a weakened immune system. For individuals who require a second dose of Pneumovax 23, it should be given at least 5 years after the first dose.   Prevenar 13: For children under the age of 5, a series of four doses is recommended, with the first dose given at 2 months of age and subsequent doses given at 4, 6, and 12-15 months of age. For individuals aged 6 and older with certain medical conditions, such as HIV, chronic heart, lung, or liver disease, diabetes, or a weakened immune system, a single dose of Prevenar 13 may be recommended. Who can receive this: This can be used by anyone who wants to protect themselves against bacterial infections that can lead to pneumonia. They are particularly important for individuals who are at higher risk of developing pneumonia, such as young children, older adults, and individuals with underlying health conditions. Who CANNOT receive this: Individuals who have had a severe allergic reaction to any of the vaccine components should not receive the pneumonia vaccine. It is always best to consult with a healthcare provider before getting vaccinated, especially if you have any concerns or underlying health conditions.