From the Guidelines
Patients hospitalized for pneumonia should receive the pneumonia vaccine as soon as possible after discharge, ideally within 1-2 weeks, to prevent future episodes of pneumonia caused by the covered pneumococcal strains. The specific vaccine and schedule depend on the patient's age, risk factors, and vaccination history. For most adults aged 65 and older, a single dose of PCV20 is recommended, or a dose of PCV15 followed by PPSV23 one year later, as stated in the guidelines 1.
Key Considerations
- The immune response to the vaccine is generally adequate even shortly after pneumonia, though in severely immunocompromised patients, the timing might be adjusted based on individual clinical judgment.
- For adults with immunocompromising conditions, cochlear implant, or cerebrospinal fluid leak, a minimum interval of 8 weeks can be considered for dosing of PCV15 and PPSV23 when PCV15 has been used 1.
- Adults who received PCV13 should follow the previously recommended PPSV23 series, and adults who received only PPSV23 may receive PCV15 or PCV20 ≥1 year after their last dose 1.
Vaccine Options
- Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13, PCV15, or PCV20)
- Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23)
Recommendations
- For most adults aged 65 and older: a single dose of PCV20, or a dose of PCV15 followed by PPSV23 one year later 1.
- For younger adults with certain medical conditions: vaccination may follow a similar schedule, with consideration of their individual risk factors and vaccination history 1.
From the Research
Pneumonia Vaccine Administration Post-Hospitalization
- The timing of pneumonia vaccine administration post-hospitalization is not explicitly stated in the provided studies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, the studies discuss the recommended vaccination schedules for adults, including those who have been hospitalized for pneumonia.
- According to the studies, adults 65 years and older should receive the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) 2, 3.
- Additionally, immunosuppressed patients of any age should receive both the PPSV23 and the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) 2.
- The studies also discuss the efficacy of PCV13 in preventing vaccine-type pneumococcal community-acquired pneumonia in adults 65 years and older 4, 6.
- It is recommended that adults receive the pneumonia vaccine as soon as possible after hospitalization, but the exact timing may depend on individual patient factors and clinical guidelines 5.
Vaccine Types and Administration
- The 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) is recommended for adults 65 years and older 2, 3.
- The 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) is recommended for immunosuppressed patients of any age and for adults 65 years and older who have not previously received the vaccine 2, 4, 6.
- The studies discuss the use of both PPSV23 and PCV13 in series to produce greater and lasting immunity 4, 5.