Pneumovax 23 Vaccine Available at the Trumbull Health Department

The Trumbull Health Department is offering the Pneumovax 23, a pneumococcal vaccine, to our residents. Residents 65 years of age and older are encouraged to call the Health Department at 203-452-1030 to speak with the Public Health Nurse to see if this vaccine is appropriate for you, and to schedule an appointment. This vaccine is usually covered in full by Medicare, and we can bill most other major insurances carriers for you. For your safety, vaccinations can be administered at your car rather than coming inside the building. We have a limited supply of Pneumovax 23 available. Call today to schedule your vaccination appointment with the Public Health Nurse at 203-452-1030.

Pneumovax 23 vaccine protects against 23 different types of bacteria that cause pneumococcal disease, which refers to any illness caused by pneumococcal bacteria. Pneumococcal bacteria are one of the most common causes of pneumonia. Besides pneumonia, pneumococcal bacteria can also cause ear infections, sinus infections, meningitis and bacteremia (bloodstream infections).

“Anyone can get pneumococcal disease, but children under 2 years of age, people with certain medical conditions, adults 65 years or older, and cigarette smokers are at the highest risk”, says the CDC.

Some residents MAY need to receive the Prevnar 13* pneumococcal vaccine BEFORE they can receive the Pneumovax 23. If you have already had the Prevnar 13, you must wait at least 1 year before you can get the Pneumovax 23. If you received the Pneumovax 23 before the age of 65, you should receive one additional dose at the age of 65 or older, at least 5 years after the Pneumovax 23 dose.

*Do I need the Prevnar 13 Pneumococcal Vaccine first? In November 2019, the Prevnar 13 vaccine was no longer recommended for routine use in those 65 years and older. Instead, those over the age of 65 who do not have an immunocompromising condition, cerebrospinal fluid leak, or, a cochlear implant should speak with their health care provider and make a shared clinical decision if the Prevnar 13 vaccine is right for you. You and your healthcare provider may want to consider the Prevnar 13 vaccine if you: reside in a nursing home or other long-term care facility, reside in a setting with low Prevnar 13 rates among children, will be traveling to areas with no Prevnar 13 vaccination coverage, or if you have certain underlying medical conditions (such as chronic heart, lung or renal disease, alcoholism, or if you smoke cigarettes). We do not currently have the Prevnar 13 vaccine in stock. If you are interested in this vaccine, please contact the Trumbull Health Department and have your name added to our list.

To speak with the Public Health Nurse, or to schedule an appointment, call the Trumbull Health Department at 203-452-1030.

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The Trumbull Health Department is committed to improving the quality of life for all it serves through the promotion of health, prevention of disease, and by assuring a safe and clean environment for our residents. For more information about the Trumbull Health Department call 203-452-1030 or visit Trumbull-ct.gov/THD.