It is very likely that the unknown vaccine the patient received was Pneumovax 23.
As such, a one time dose of Prevnar 13 is recommended but the patient needs to wait ONE YEAR following the Pneumovax vaccine. Therefore, the vaccine cannot be administered during the current hospital visit.
Prevnar 13 is not currently funded in BC for outpatients (with the exception of transplant patients and those with HIV), despite being supported by strong evidence.
If your patient has HIV or is post-transplant, advise the patient to obtain Prevnar 13 x 1 dose from the Public Health Unit
≥1 year after the last Pneumovax dose.
Otherwise, inform the patient that this vaccine is available at a cost of $125 at pharmacies or vaccine clinics.
Patient’s Pneumovax vaccine status is up to date.
Advise the patient to obtain a dose of Pneumovax 23 5 years after the dose of the last Pneumococcal vaccine
