My husband went for his pneumonia vaccines yesterday and he was given the 23 strain vaccine which I believe is non conjugate.
I know the advice is to have the conjugate vaccine (which my husband did ask for). Why is this? Are there any issues if he has had the non conjugate?
Thanks so much!
In the uk the non conjugate pneumonia vaccine is what GP will normally have in stock so would have to get the conjugate version in as a special request. The recommendation by the consultant from Southampton was to go for the conjugate. He felt that it gave the best chance of giving some protection, considering our damaged immune system, and it is what he gave to his patients. The message from Oxford was the jury is still out.
So in reality it may not make a lot of difference which one we have. I had the non conjugate pneumonia vaccine when diagnosed. Have agreement with GP to have the conjugate vaccine when I come up for renewal after 5 years. It is unlikely you will get the conjugate from the GP without making a request ahead of vaccination.
So you have to make a decision which way you want to go and then get your GP to agree if you decide on the conjugate.
Hopefully either will give some useful protection especially if it is given as early as possible after diagnoses.
Thank you Myrddin - very helpful!
Conjugate is more immunogenic. In other words, it tickles the immune system more so it is a better choice for us. It's likely all moot in our case, as our immune responses tend to be pretty pathetic, but this gives us the best chance of raising our antibody levels.
Many thanks for your helpful answers. Does anyone know if you can have them both together, i.e the conjugate and the non conjugate?
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