Final answer:
The PPSV23 vaccine is recommended for children under 2, adults over 65, and other high-risk populations with certain medical conditions or compromised immune systems to prevent pneumococcal infections.
Step-by-step explanation:
The pneumococcal vaccine PPSV23 is indicated for specific patient populations, particularly for children younger than 2 years and adults older than 65 years. This vaccine is an important preventive measure against infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, which includes pneumococcal meningitis and other respiratory tract infections. The emergence of drug-resistant strains of S. pneumoniae highlights the importance of vaccination as a prophylactic measure, especially since antibiotics like ß-lactams, macrolides, and fluoroquinolones are facing increasing resistance.
PPSV23 is also recommended for other high-risk populations, including those with certain medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as well as for smokers and individuals with compromised immune systems. High-risk conditions necessitate vaccination due to the increased likelihood of severe disease outcomes.