Because Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae are common in the community, there is no effective way to reduce exposure to these bacteria. However, evidence that adverse clinical outcomes are associated with this transient increase is lacking.
Most experts believe that the benefit of pneumococcal vaccination outweighs the potential risk.
The duration of the protective effect afforded by primary pneumococcal vaccination is unknown. The incidence of H. influenzae type B infection in adults is low. However, providers should be cautious about use of antibiotics solely for this purpose because of the potential for development of drug-resistant microorganisms and drug toxicity. However, providers should be cautious about use of antibiotics for this purpose because of the potential for development of drug-resistant microorganisms and drug toxicity. In nonpregnant adults, vaccination has been associated with a transient burst of HIV replication.