Indication for 2nd dose of pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine in children?

Indication for 2nd dose of pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine in children?

• A. Sickle Cell Disease
• B. Asthma
• C. Prematurity
• D. Chronic kidney disease

Answer: (A)

A child with a high-risk condition requiring a second PPSV23 dose is one with compromised splenic function, because the spleen plays a crucial role in defending against encapsulated bacteria like pneumococcus. Sickle cell disease causes functional asplenia, putting these children at ongoing risk for invasive pneumococcal disease. PPSV23 adds broader serotype protection and, since immunity can wane over time, a second dose is recommended at least 5 years after the first PPSV23 dose for those high-risk kids. In contrast, asthma, prematurity, or chronic kidney disease do not have the same established need for a second PPSV23 dose in children, which is why sickle cell disease is the classic indication for a booster.

A child with a high-risk condition requiring a second PPSV23 dose is one with compromised splenic function, because the spleen plays a crucial role in defending against encapsulated bacteria like pneumococcus. Sickle cell disease causes functional asplenia, putting these children at ongoing risk for invasive pneumococcal disease. PPSV23 adds broader serotype protection and, since immunity can wane over time, a second dose is recommended at least 5 years after the first PPSV23 dose for those high-risk kids. In contrast, asthma, prematurity, or chronic kidney disease do not have the same established need for a second PPSV23 dose in children, which is why sickle cell disease is the classic indication for a booster.