infectious diseases
Pneumococcal Infections
Prevention of Pneumococcal Infections
Infection produces type-specific immunity that does not generalize to other serotypes. Prevention involves Vaccination Prophylactic antibiotics See Pneumococcal Vaccine for more information, including The vaccine schedules vary depending on age and medical conditions present in the patient. All children 2 months through 6 years of age should receive pneumococcal vaccination as part of a Childhood Vaccination Schedules . Pneumococcal vaccination is also recommended for adults 19 to 64 years of age who have certain chronic medical conditions or other risk factors and at age > 65 years for all other adults. For functional or anatomic asplenic children<5 years of age, prophylacticpenicillin V125 mg orally 2 times a day is recommended. The duration for chemoprophylaxis is empiric, but some experts continue prophylaxis throughout childhood and into adulthood for high-risk patients with asplenia. Penicillin 250 mg orally 2 times a day is recommended for older children or adolescents for at least 1 year after splenectomy. 