Elderly persons with unknown vaccination status should be administered one dose of vaccine. The need for subsequent doses of pneumococcal vaccine is unclear and will be assessed when additional data become available. Because data are insufficient concerning the safety of pneumococcal vaccine when administered three or more times, revaccination following a second dose is not routinely recommended. A Second dose of vaccine if patient received vaccine 5 or more years previously and were aged less than 65 years at the time of vaccination. C Single revaccination if 5 years or more have elapsed since receipt of first dose.
Moderate evidence supports the recommendation for vaccine use.
Effectiveness of vaccination is not proven, but the high risk for disease and the potential benefits and safety of the vaccine justify vaccination. If earlier vaccination status is unknown, patients in this group should be administered pneumococcal vaccine. Including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and emphysema. However, providers should not withhold vaccination in the absence of an immunization record or complete medical record. The patient's verbal history should be used to determine prior vaccination status.