Which vaccine is indicated for adults aged 65 and older or those with certain comorbidities such as asthma, COPD, heart disease, diabetes, or asplenia?

• A. Hep A vaccine
• B. HPV vaccine
• C. Pneumococcal vaccine
• D. Meningococcal vaccine

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is protecting people who are at higher risk for serious pneumococcal disease. Pneumococcal vaccination is routinely recommended for adults 65 and older and for individuals with chronic conditions such as asthma or COPD, heart disease, diabetes, or asplenia because these factors increase the chances of invasive pneumococcal disease and severe pneumonia. Vaccination reduces the risk of serious outcomes from Streptococcus pneumoniae infections, which can include pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections. The other vaccines address different pathogens and risk scenarios (for example, Hep A is for certain exposures or travel, HPV targets younger adults for HPV-related cancers, and meningococcal is indicated for specific high-risk groups or outbreak situations). So, for this population, the pneumococcal vaccine is the appropriate choice.