Spectrum: Local Antimicrobial Stewardship, for Island Health

Pneumovax 23

Pneumococcal Polyscacchride Vaccine (PPSV)

Pneumovax 23

Antigens:

  • 23 purified capsular polysaccharide antigens

  • Responsible for 85-90% of disease causing strains

Immunogenicity

Low to Moderate

Initial high antibody titres for 1-2 years in healthy people
Rapid decline of titres over 10 year period in those >50
Immunity wanes in the elderly
Less immunogenic in those immunocompromised

Dosing

  • 1 dose IM

  • A second booster dose 5 years later is recommended in all immuocompromised patients, and high risk patients over 65

  • Revaccination every 10 years in the elderly is recommended by some sources

  • If Prevnar 13 was given, Pneumovax needs to be given 8 weeks after Prevnar 13 and immunizing with Prevnar first is preferred

  • Otherwise, Prevnar would need to be delayed for 1 year for patients in whom both vaccines are indicated

Cost

Provincially funded for all patients in whom pnumococcal vaccination is indicated (immunocompromised, high risk and elderly)

Available at pharmacies and public health units