Pneumococcal vaccines are indicated for which of the following individuals? 1. 65-year-old individual 2. Respiratory therapist 3. Individual with chronic heart disease 4. Individual with glaucoma

a. 1, 2, and 3 only
b. 2 and 4 only
c. 1 and 2 only
d. 3 and 4 only

ANS: C
Pneumococcal vaccination is indicated for all individuals older than the age of 65 years and for those older than the age of 2 years who have functional or anatomical asplenia. Vaccination is also indicated in patients with chronic illnesses such as CHF, chronic lung disease, chronic liver disease, alcoholism, cerebrospinal fluid leaks, or conditions characterized by impaired immunity. Routine pneumococcal vaccination of all health care workers is not currently recommended, un-less they possess one of the specific indications for vaccination outlined previously.