Strep Pneumo Conjugated Vaccine

[wombthereitis]

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So I understand the difference between the 23-valent and 7-valent (newly 13) Strep pneumo vaccines for the elderly and children, respectively. I am wondering why the conjugated vaccine with a robust T-cell and IgG response is not given to the elderly?

I figure children need the more "long-term" response, but is there a specific reason why we give the more "temporary" vaccine to the elderly population?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Mad Jack]

So I understand the difference between the 23-valent and 7-valent (newly 13) Strep pneumo vaccines for the elderly and children, respectively. I am wondering why the conjugated vaccine with a robust T-cell and IgG response is not given to the elderly?

I figure children need the more "long-term" response, but is there a specific reason why we give the more "temporary" vaccine to the elderly population?

Thanks in advance!

I'm betting it has something to do with impaired IgG class switching in the elderly, but I'm genuinely curious as well.

 

[dfib slim]

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[slz1900]

According to this paper:

http://cid.oxfordjournals.org/content/46/7/1015.full

conjugated actually works better in the elderly. It probably more has to do with which type has approval and has been incorporated into guidelines and less to do with an immuno explanation.

 

[worldbeater]

From what I read and understood, I thought the same pneumovax vaccine (covers the most common 23 strains) was given to infants (2,4,& 6 months of age) and anybody over 65 years of age.

The same vaccine is given for anybody else who is asplenic and anyone with end organ damage (like cystic fibrosis, renal failure, nephrotic syndrome).

I haven't seen anything about the 7-valent that you mentioned above, can anybody else offer their thoughts please?