Which adults are recommended to get pneumococcal vaccines?
For seniors aged 65 years and above, one dose each of PCV13 and PPSV23 is generally recommended.
If you have already received PCV13 as an adult (regardless of age) and one dose of PPSV23 on or after 65 years of age, there is no further need for either of the pneumococcal vaccination.
If you are 65 years of age or older and have previously received PPSV23 before age 65 years, you are recommended to get another dose of PPSV23, at least one year after the most recent PCV13 and at least 5 years from the previous dose of PPSV23.
For those aged 18 to 64 years and below with any of the following medical conditions, please consult your doctor for more details on the type of pneumococcal vaccine and number of doses recommended:
o Chronic pulmonary, cardiovascular, renal or liver disease, or diabetes mellitus;
o Cochlear implant or cerebrospinal fluid leak;
o Anatomic or functional asplenia (including conditions such as homozygous sickle cell disease and coeliac syndrome that may lead to splenic dysfunction); or
o Immunosuppression (including immunosuppression caused by medications, HIV or other immunodeficiencies)