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Respiratory Disorders (Expert Forum)
Confusion about Pneumonia Shot
Answered by
This forum is for questions and support regarding lung and respiratory issues such as: Allergies, Asthma, Bronchitis, Colds - Flu, Chronic Cough, COPD, Cystic Fibrosis, Emphysema, Fibrosis, Lung Abscess, Nasal Polyps, Pleurisy, Pneumonia, Sarcoidosis, Sinusitis, Tuberculosis.
Confusion about Pneumonia Shot
by norikyaki, Sep 30, 2006 12:00AM
Hi,
I have asthma, have been on systemic corticosteroids for years, and work in the health care field. I am a 39 year old female.
I received a pneumonia shot, which I assume is the same as the pneumococcal vaccine, about 8 years ago. However, I am very confused about whether or not I need a booster.
Some of the information on the internet says that one shot is enough, at least until age 65. Other things I read say that a booster may be needed after 5 to 8 years, if you fall into a risk group, which I believe I do. Still other sites say that boosters offer little additional protection regardless of risk factors. Help!
1. Do you know what the current recommendations for this vaccine are in regards to boosters?
2. If a booster is required, is it the same dosage as the original shot? In other words, could I get the booster at one of the many clinics found this time of season at pharmacies, or does it require less dosing and therefore a trip to my doctor?
Thank You!
I have asthma, have been on systemic corticosteroids for years, and work in the health care field. I am a 39 year old female.
I received a pneumonia shot, which I assume is the same as the pneumococcal vaccine, about 8 years ago. However, I am very confused about whether or not I need a booster.
Some of the information on the internet says that one shot is enough, at least until age 65. Other things I read say that a booster may be needed after 5 to 8 years, if you fall into a risk group, which I believe I do. Still other sites say that boosters offer little additional protection regardless of risk factors. Help!
1. Do you know what the current recommendations for this vaccine are in regards to boosters?
2. If a booster is required, is it the same dosage as the original shot? In other words, could I get the booster at one of the many clinics found this time of season at pharmacies, or does it require less dosing and therefore a trip to my doctor?
Thank You!
Doctor's Answer
by National Jewish, Oct 06, 2006 12:00AM
, Oct 06, 2006 12:00AM
You should get a second dose or booster of the pneumococcal vaccine. The Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (PPV) information statement at http://www.cdc.gov/nip/publications/VIS/vis-ppv.pdf states “A second dose is recommended for people who are taking medication that lowers immunity, such as chemotherapy or long-term steroids.” It should be fine to get the booster at one of the many clinics found this time of year at pharmacies. However check with your doctor to be sure that he agrees that you should get a booster. Also it should be noted in your immunization record at the doctor’s office that you got the booster along with the date.
