CDC guidance for use pneumonia vaccine during H1N1 pandemic

[Siegfried X]

The CDC did not change their previous recommendations for use of pneumonia vaccine (PPSV23). However they added an emphasis because of problems one group had with H1N1.

CDC pneumonia vaccine guidance during H1N1 pandemic

All people who have existing indications for PPSV23 should continue to be vaccinated according to current ACIP recommendations during the outbreak of novel influenza A(H1N1). Emphasis should be placed on vaccinating people aged less than 65 years who have established high-risk conditions because PPSV23 coverage among this group is low and because people in this group appear to be overrepresented among severe cases of novel influenza A (H1N1) infection, based on currently available data.

Use of PPSV23 among people without current indications for vaccination is not recommended at this time. This recommendation may be revised as the epidemiology and clinical presentation of novel influenza A (H1N1) virus infection as well as the frequency and severity of secondary pneumococcal infections are better understood.

U.S. ACIP recommendations for use of pneumococcal polysaccacharide vaccine - Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23)

Universal vaccination: All adults 65 years of age and older

[or]

Medical Indications:
Persons 2 through 64 years of age who have one or more of the following long-term health problems:

• chronic cardiovascular disease (congestive heart failure and cardiomyopathies)
• chronic pulmonary disease including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and emphysema
• diabetes mellitus
• alcoholism
• chronic liver disease, including cirrhosis
• cerebrospinal fluid leaks
• functional or anatomic asplenia including sickle cell disease and splenectomy
• immunocompromising conditions including HIV infection, leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin?s disease, multiple myeloma, generalized malignancy, chronic renal failure, nephrotic syndrome; those receiving immunosuppressive chemotherapy (including corticosteroids); and those who have received an organ or bone marrow transplant

[or]

Adults 19 through 64 years of age who:

• smoke cigarettes
• have asthma

 

[Jmom]

Re: CDC guidance for use pneumonia vaccine during H1N1 pandemic

Does anyone know why they don't recommend this vax for children with asthma??? I'm very concerned about my child and can't get a doc (in GA) to vax him.