About the Vaccine: There are 2 types of pneumoccocal (pneumonia) vaccine: PCV13 and PPV23. PCV13 is primarily used for infants and young children. PPV23 is for ages 2 years and up.
Availability: Most Westford Health Dept. vaccines are provided to us by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH). MDPH determines the criteria for the population to which we can administer the vaccine. These criteria can change due to vaccine supply and/or MDPH budgets. Call our office (978-692-5509) if you have any questions.
Currently, MDPH has provided Westford with PPV23 for Westford residents who meet the following criteria:
Age Criteria
1. Ages 2-64 years: with the following high risk conditions: Chronic lung
disease, sickle cell disease, chronic heart disease, diabetes,
chronic liver disease including cirrhosis, chronic
alcoholism, cochlear implant or cerebrospinal fluid leak.
2. Ages 2-64 years: who have a disease that causes a lower resistance
to infection, such as Hodgkin's disease, lymphoma or leukemia,
kidney failure, multiple myeloma, HIV infection or AIDS, damaged or
no spleen, organ transplant, or are taking certain drugs such as
long-term steroids, certain cancer drugs, or radiation therapy.
3. Ages 19-64 years: with asthma and/or is a smoker.
4. Ages 65 years and old: all adults regardless of medical conditions
Insurance Criteria
1. All children (as above) regardless of insurance coverage.
2. Limited amounts for adults, only given to adults without insurance
or without vaccine coverage.
Dates: 1. During "Clinic Days" (click for dates), appointments required, call 978-692-5509 to schedule
Fees: 1. $15 administration fee, cash or check made out to "Town of Westford."
2. Free, when given during a flu clinic.
For More Information: (click links below)
Pneumococcal Disease:
1. Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) Factsheet
Pneumococcal Vaccine
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