For which condition are both PCV13 and PPSV23 recommended?

Both PCV13 (Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine) and PPSV23 (Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine) are recommended for individuals with asplenia. Asplenia refers to a medical condition in which an individual has lost their spleen or has an absent spleen due to congenital issues or surgical removal. The spleen plays a crucial role in the immune system, particularly in filtering bacteria and responding to infections.

Individuals with asplenia have a significantly higher risk of serious infections caused by encapsulated bacteria, particularly Streptococcus pneumoniae. Therefore, vaccination against pneumococcal disease is a vital preventive measure for these individuals. The combination of PCV13 and PPSV23 provides a broad range of protection, as PCV13 offers coverage for a specific set of pneumococcal serotypes, while PPSV23 covers a larger number of serotypes, complementing the protection offered by the conjugate vaccine.

In contrast, while chronic liver disease, diabetes, and hypertension may warrant certain vaccinations and health precautions, the combination of both PCV13 and PPSV23 is specifically indicated for those at increased risk due to asplenia. This targeted recommendation underscores the importance of tailored vaccination