Final answer:
PCV 13 and PCV 23 are administered to high-risk patients to protect against pneumococcal infections such as pneumonia and meningitis.
Step-by-step explanation:
In high-risk patients, both PCV 13 and PCV 23 are administered to provide protection against pneumococcal infections. PCV 13 is a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine that is typically given to infants and young children. It helps protect against serious infections such as pneumonia, meningitis, and bacteremia.
PCV 23 is a pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine that is primarily recommended for adults over the age of 65 and individuals with specific medical conditions. It helps protect against pneumonia and other invasive pneumococcal diseases.
It is important for high-risk patients to receive both vaccines to ensure comprehensive protection against pneumococcal infections.