Final answer:
Prevnar 13 is recommended for infants, young children, adults over 65, and persons aged 6 years and older with specific risk factors. It's crucial for preventing pneumococcal disease, and a separate yearly flu vaccine is advised for everyone 6 months and older to prevent flu complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
Prevnar 13 is a vaccine used to prevent pneumococcal disease, which is caused by bacteria that can lead to illnesses such as pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections. It is particularly important for individuals at higher risk of these diseases. Those who are recommended to receive Prevnar 13 include infants, young children, adults 65 years of age and older, and persons aged 6 years and older with certain risk factors such as immunocompromising conditions, cochlear implants, or cerebrospinal fluid leaks.
Adults aged 19 years or older with conditions like chronic heart, lung, or liver diseases, diabetes, or alcoholism should also consider vaccination. Always visit your doctor to determine if Prevnar 13 is right for you and when to receive the vaccine.
This vaccine is different from the yearly flu vaccine, which is recommended for everyone at least 6 months of age. The flu vaccine is crucial for preventing serious complications related to the flu, especially in high-risk groups such as older adults, individuals with certain medical conditions, pregnant women, and young children below 5 years of age.