Use of the pneumococcal vaccine

High-risk patients who should receive the pneumococcal vaccine include asplenic patients, those with sickle cell anemia, nephrotic syndrome, congestive heart failure, pulmonary or renal disease, insulin-dependent diabetics, alcoholics with cirrhosis and immunocompromised patients. The vaccine should not be used in children under two years of age. It is safe, relatively inexpensive and effective when antibody response can be generated.