Patient/caregiver was instructed regarding types of pneumococcal vaccines as follows: Mainly two different types of pneumococcal vaccines are available, based on how they are manufactured, mode of administration, the spectrum of pneumococcal bacteria they offer protection against, and age-groups of individuals they are recommended for. Both the pneumococcal vaccines do not contain any live bacteria and are made from components of pneumococcal bacteria. So, these vaccines cannot cause any serious pneumococcal illnesses in the recipients. [...]

Patient/caregiver was instructed regarding individuals at increased risk for pneumococcal infections as follows: Individuals with poor immune status, such as, with history of HIV, organ transplants, chronic steroid use, cancer diagnoses, bone marrow suppression, and absence of spleen can be at increased risk for contacting pneumococcal infection. Observing compliance with pneumococcal vaccination schedule, as recommended, can help significantly towards preventing severe illness and complications due to the infection. Individuals with history of severe head injury, [...]

Patient/caregiver was instructed regarding pneumococcal vaccination as follows: Pneumococcal vaccines are given to protect against many types of pneumococcal bacteria that can cause a wide variety of severe illnesses, such as, sepsis, bacteremia, middle ear infection, pneumonia, and meningitis. Pneumococcal bacteria reside in individuals’ nose and throat and can be carried by some individuals without showing symptoms of illness. The intact lining of respiratory passages in the throat and lungs contribute to preventing access to [...]