Which immunization should the licensed practical nurse recommend to older adults?

The pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) is highly recommended for older adults due to their increased susceptibility to pneumonia and other serious infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. As people age, their immune systems often weaken, making them more vulnerable to respiratory illnesses and complications. The PPSV23 vaccine is designed to protect against 23 different strains of pneumococcus, which can lead to conditions like pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections.

The CDC guidelines suggest that adults aged 65 years and older receive this vaccine to help reduce the incidence and severity of pneumococcal disease in this population. This vaccination not only helps in individual protection but also contributes to community immunity, reducing the overall burden of disease among vulnerable populations.

Although the other vaccines mentioned can also play important roles in public health, they are not prioritized for older adults in the same way. For example, the HPV vaccine is primarily aimed at younger populations to prevent cancers related to HPV. Similarly, the Hib vaccine is especially important for infants and young children and does not provide the same level of relevance for older adults. The MMR vaccine is typically administered in childhood and is less of a concern for adults, who have usually been vaccinated in their youth or have naturally