How Well do You Know Pneumococcal Immunization? – Interactive Quiz

February 24, 2020

Adult Pneumococcal Immunization

Pneumococcal immunization is a recommended adult vaccine.  There are two different vaccine options that could be considered in adults.  These include:

  • Pneu-P-23 (Pneumovax-23(R))  which is a 23-valent polysaccharide pneumococcal vaccine
  • Pneu-C-13 (Prevnar-13 (R)) which is a 13-valent conjugate pneumococcal vaccine

Many people in primary care are unsure of the specific pneumococcal vaccine recommendations for a specific patient.  Two great references to learn more about this infection and the vaccines include:

I thought I would develop an interactive quiz on this topic.  I hope you like it.

Interactive Quiz (20 T/F Questions)

1. Pneu-C-13 vaccine can be safely administered to a senior at the same time as high-dose influenza vaccine (Fluzone HD(R)) and a dose of inactivated herpes zoster vaccine (Shingrix(R))

2. Invasive pneumococcal disease is most common in young children, adolescents and young adults.

3. A patient with chronic kidney disease received a dose of both Pneu-C-13 and Pneu-P-23 when he was diagnosed at 25 years.  He should receive a booster of Pneu-P-23 after the age of 30 years.

4. Pneumococcal infections are more common in late spring and early fall

5. An immunocompromised patient received a dose of Pneu-C-13 at age 50, a dose of Pneu-P-23 10 weeks later.  They had a booster dose of Pneu-P-23 at age 55 years. She should receive another dose of Pneu-P-23 at age 65 years.

6. If a person received a Pneu-P-23 vaccine dose at the age of 28 years they should receive a dose at 65 years of age.

7. A patient presents with a prescription for both Pneu-P-23 and Pneu-C-13. She has not received either vaccine before.  Ideally the Pneu-P-23 first.

8. Heart disease and diabetes increase the risk of invasive pneumococcal disease

9. The most common manifestation of S. pneumoniae infection is invasive pneumococcal disease.

10. Pneu-P-23 has been consistently shown to reduce the risk of community acquired pneumonia

11. Following immunization with Pneu-P-23, antibody concentrations decline after 25 years.

12. A patient is going to be started on a biologic for inflammatory bowel disease, the Canadian Immunization Guide recommends a dose of Pneu-C-13 followed by a dose Pneu-P-23 at least 8 weeks later

13. S. pneumoniae infection and invasive pneumococcal disease is increased in smokers, persons with alcoholism and illicit drug users

14. Pneu-C-13 vaccine has been shown to reduce the risk of vaccine-type community acquire pneumonia by 45% in people 65 years of age and older

15. All healthy adults should receive a dose of Pneu-P-23 vaccine at 65 years of age.

16. A child (5 years old) was just diagnosed with asthma.  He has a full series of Pneu-C-13 doses.  The child should receive 1 dose of Pneu-P-23 vaccine.

17. The Pneu-P-23 is 90% effective against IPD in the elderly.

18. All healthy seniors who received a dose of Pneu-P-23 at the age of 65 years, should receive a booster 5 years later.

19. A patient presents with a prescription for Pneu-C-13.  She has received a dose of Pneu-P-23 8 months ago.  She could receive the Pneu-C-13 today.

20. Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine is less immunogenic in children than pneumococcal conjugate vaccine


 

References

  1. Public Health Agency of Canada Government of Canada. “Pneumococcal Vaccine – Part 4 – Active Vaccines – Canadian Immunization Guide – Public Health Agency of Canada.” Accessed February 17, 2020. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/canadian-immunization-guide-part-4-active-vaccines/page-16-pneumococcal-vaccine.html.
  2. Center for Disease Control. “Pinkbook | Pneumococcal | Epidemiology of Vaccine Preventable Diseases | CDC.” Accessed February 17, 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/pinkbook/pneumo.html.