PNEUMOVAX 23 (PNEUMOCOCCAL VACCINE POLYVALENT)

( ARTG ) PNEUMOVAX 23 is indicated for immunisation of individuals in the following situations: All individuals over the age of 65 years; Individuals with asplenia, either functional or anatomical, including sickle cell disease, in persons more than 2 years of age; where possible the vaccine should be given at least 14 days before splenectomy; Immunocompromised patients at increased risk of pneumococcal disease (eg patients with HIV infection before the development of AIDS, nephrotic syndrome, multiple myeloma, lymphoma, Hodgkin's Disease and organ transplantation); Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people over 50 years of age; Immunocompetent persons at increased risk of complications from pneumococcal disease because of chronic illness (eg chronic cardiac, renal or pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus, alcoholism and cirrhosis); Patients with cerebrospinal fluid leaks. In Australia, the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) currently recommends the vaccination of tobacco smokers with the 23-valent polysaccharide pneumococcal vaccine. PNEUMOVAX 23 is indicated for immunisation only against pneumococcal disease caused by those pneumococcal types included in the vaccine. Effectiveness of the vaccine in the prevention of pneumococcal pneumonia and pneumococcal bacteremia has been demonstrated. In Australia, the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) currently recommeds the vaccination of tabacco smokers with the 23-valent polysaccharide pneumococcal vaccine. PNEUMOVAX 23 will not prevent disease caused by capsular types of pneumococcus othar those contained in the vaccine.