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Department of Health and Human Services
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention


Vaccines & Immunizations

Vaccines and Preventable Diseases:

Pneumococcal Vaccination
Pronounced (NEU-mo-KOK-al)

Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is recommended for all children less than 24 months old and for children between 24 and 59 months old who are at high risk of disease. Older children and adults with risk factors may receive the pneumococcal polysaccaride vaccine,(Pneumovax® and Pnu-Immune®).

Pneumococcal vaccination

For the Media:

What You Should Know

About the Disease

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Vaccine Information

The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, PCV7 or Prevnar®, licensed in late 2000, is the first pneumococcal vaccine that can be used in children under the age of 2 years. However, pneumococcal vaccines for the prevention of disease among children and adults who are 2 years and older have been in use since 1977. Pneumovax® and Pnu-Immune® are 23-valent polysaccharide vaccines (PPV23) that are currently recommended for use in all adults who are older than 65 years of age and for persons who are 2 years and older and at high risk for disease (e.g., sickle cell disease, HIV infection, or other immunocompromising condition.)

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Beliefs & Concerns
Vaccine Safety

As with all vaccines, there can be minor reactions, including pain and redness at the injection site, headache, fatigue or a vague feeling of discomfort.

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Who Should Not be Vaccinated?

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For Health Professionals

Clinical Information

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Recommendations

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References and Resources

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Provider Education

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Materials for Patients

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For the Media

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This page last modified on January 6, 2009
Content last reviewed on September 5, 2008
Content Source: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases

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Safer Healthier People

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Vaccines and Immunizations