Final answer:
Pneumovax 23 is a pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine recommended for adults older than 65 years and individuals with certain health conditions to prevent pneumococcal diseases such as pneumonia and meningitis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pneumovax 23 should be administered to help prevent diseases caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae, such as pneumococcal pneumonia and pneumococcal meningitis, which can lead to serious complications, especially in certain high-risk populations. The pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23), also known as Pneumovax 23, is recommended for individuals who are at increased risk for pneumococcal disease. This includes adults older than 65 years and individuals with certain health conditions.
PPSV23 is especially pertinent as S. pneumoniae has become the leading cause of meningitis following the introduction of the Hib vaccine. With growing concerns about antibiotic resistance to common treatments like β-Lactams, prevention through vaccination is a key strategy to protect vulnerable populations, including children younger than 2 years and the elderly. It serves as an important complement to the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13), which is also aimed at reducing the incidence and severity of pneumococcal infections.
Ensuring up-to-date vaccinations, including Pneumovax 23, is a critical health measure advised by healthcare professionals, including the CDC, which can prevent not only pneumococcal disease but also other conditions such as flu, H. influenzae meningitis, and meningococcal disease.