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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Is The Reason For 5 Years Gap Between First And Second Dose Of Ppsv23?

Hi, Dr. Grief, I have questions about pneumococcal vaccine for my Mom who is 73. She had ppsv23 about a year ago in China and doctor there told her that she can not have second dose at least for 5 years. Currently, she is with me in the U. S. in the middle of the process of immigration. Because my Mom is probably not able to provide the immunization record from China, the civil surgeon here will give the ppsv23 to her. My concern: What is the reason for the 5 year apart requirement? Is it safe for her physically to have the vaccine again within 2 years? Regards, Dawei chen
Mon, 3 Feb 2014
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Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
the current recommendations suggest that if someone was over the age of 65 at the time of receiving the vaccine then they do not need to be re vaccinated in their lifetime. if however, they were less than 65 years of age at the time of receiving the vaccine, a second dose is recommended after they turn 65 but not earlier than 5 years. the time frame of 5 years is chosen because a second dose of the vaccine administered sooner increases risks of local reaction, like redness or pain at the site of immunization. having said that, it is also recommended that in someone who is 65 or older, if one is unsure whether the person has been vaccinated before or not, then one should go ahead and immunize the person anyway. this is to reduce the risk of life threatening severe pneumonia in older folks. so, in case of your mother, since the doctor cannot be sure if she has received the vaccine or not, it is reasonable to immunize her.
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What Is The Reason For 5 Years Gap Between First And Second Dose Of Ppsv23?

the current recommendations suggest that if someone was over the age of 65 at the time of receiving the vaccine then they do not need to be re vaccinated in their lifetime. if however, they were less than 65 years of age at the time of receiving the vaccine, a second dose is recommended after they turn 65 but not earlier than 5 years. the time frame of 5 years is chosen because a second dose of the vaccine administered sooner increases risks of local reaction, like redness or pain at the site of immunization. having said that, it is also recommended that in someone who is 65 or older, if one is unsure whether the person has been vaccinated before or not, then one should go ahead and immunize the person anyway. this is to reduce the risk of life threatening severe pneumonia in older folks. so, in case of your mother, since the doctor cannot be sure if she has received the vaccine or not, it is reasonable to immunize her.