Pneumococcal vaccination

Katong Family Clinic would like to remind all seniors 65 and over to check that they have received pneumococcal vaccine. Many of you may not be aware that there are TWO types and you need to have both.

Pneumococcal disease is the leading vaccine-preventable cause of death in children and adults worldwide. It is a bacterial infection that causes pneumonia, meningitis, bacteraemia and other life-threatening illness. It can be prevented by vaccination.

The recommendation from Singapore Ministry of Health and US CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunisation (ACIP) for vaccine naive patients are as follows:

1) For healthy adults aged 65 years and above:
 Prevenar 13 (dose 1), followed by Pneumovax 23 (dose 2) 1 year later

2) For high risk individuals aged 19 and older (with cerebro-spinal fluid leaks, cochlear implants, immuno-comprosing conditions):
Prevenar 13 (dose 1), followed by Pneumovax 23 (dose 2) 8 weeks later

For previously vaccinated Pneumovax23 (PPSV23) patients, please consult your doctor for relevant advice.