To be Administered Every 6-10 Years
The official name for this vaccine is Pneumococcal Polysaccharide (PPV). This bacterium, known as Streptococcus Pneumoniae, can cause infections of the lungs (pneumonia), the bloodstream (bacteremia), and the covering of the brain (meningitis). Anyone can get Pneumococcal disease; however, persons over 65 years of age, infants, and persons who have special health problems are at a higher risk.

The Pneumococcal Polysaccharide vaccine (PPV) contains material from the 23 types of Pneumococcal bacteria that are responsible for nearly 90% of all Pneumococcal bacteremias.

A recent study was released in April of 2003 which determined that the Pneumococcal vaccine (PPV) was proving beneficial in reducing the incidence of stroke. Doctors are currently trying to determine if receiving the Pneumococcal vaccine (PPV) could possibly assist in preventing the sometimes fatal SARS virus.

The Pneumococcal vaccine offers adequate protection for 10 years. It is recommended that those over the age of 65 should receive this vaccination every 6 years.