Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Exam

At what age should a patient receive the pneumococcal vaccine if they are a smoker or have asthma?

1. Under 19 years

2. 19-64 years

3. 65 years and older

4. Any age regardless of health status

The correct answer is: 19-64 years

The recommendation for administering the pneumococcal vaccine to individuals who are smokers or have asthma is primarily targeted at those aged 19 to 64 years. Smoking and conditions like asthma can compromise respiratory health and increase the risk of pneumonia, making vaccination particularly important within this age range. This age group, specifically adults aged 19 to 64, would benefit from the vaccine because they are at greater risk for pneumococcal disease due to their compromised lung function or respiratory capacity. While individuals over 65 years are also considered at high risk and should receive the vaccine, the focus here is specifically on those in the 19-64 age range who smoke or have asthma, marking them as a priority group for intervention. Individuals under 19 years do not fall into this category for routine pneumococcal vaccination related to these specific risk factors, although they may receive the vaccine based on other criteria. The option stating 'any age regardless of health status' does not reflect the targeted recommendations based on the presence of risk factors like smoking or asthma. Therefore, the most appropriate recommendation for vaccination, given the conditions specified, is for those aged 19 to 64 years.