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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Should A Pneumococcal Vaccination Shot Be Taken Every Five Years?

I did already but I'll do it again. I'm attempting to find out about the pneumonia shot that young children and the elderly should take. I had one in 2010 and in attempting to get one at my doctor's office I was informed they didn't do it there anymore but I could get it at my drugstore when I picked up my prescriptions. The pharmacist asked was it Prevetar (not sure of spelling but is for pneumecopal pneumonia). Doctor's office couldn't tell me what I had previously! Now through others I've been told the Prevetar 13 is to be taken and then 12 months later another called Prev 23. Should the shot be taken every 5 years? I've heard so much now I'm at a loss.
Wed, 30 May 2018
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

You are right there are different types of pneumococcal vaccine , and different schedule , pneumo 13 covers 13 strain and are advised for all children less then 2 years , 4 doses are given at 2 months, 6 months, 8 and 15 months. pneumo 23 covers 23 strain of the bacteria , and is indicated for adults. However its not advised fro every one. These are indicated for patients with chronic diseases like asthma, copd, chroni kidney or heart diseases or immune deficient people like diabetic, cancers or HIV etc, this is given every five months .this is also given for older people ie over age 65 years.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
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Should A Pneumococcal Vaccination Shot Be Taken Every Five Years?

Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. You are right there are different types of pneumococcal vaccine , and different schedule , pneumo 13 covers 13 strain and are advised for all children less then 2 years , 4 doses are given at 2 months, 6 months, 8 and 15 months. pneumo 23 covers 23 strain of the bacteria , and is indicated for adults. However its not advised fro every one. These are indicated for patients with chronic diseases like asthma, copd, chroni kidney or heart diseases or immune deficient people like diabetic, cancers or HIV etc, this is given every five months .this is also given for older people ie over age 65 years. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.