Why Is PPSV23 Not an Effective Vaccine for Protecting Children

question 94

Multiple Choice

Why is PPSV23 not an effective vaccine for protecting children against pneumococcal meningitis?

• A) Children never get pneumococcal meningitis. They get typically get meningococcal meningitis, which is less severe.
• B) The vaccine contains capsular polysaccharides, and children do not mount a strong immune response against T-independent antigens. 
• C) PPSV23 is an attenuated vaccine and children cannot be given this type of vaccine because they are high risk of contracting the disease rather than being protected from it.
• D) Pneumococcus causes pneumonia in children, not meningitis. Children could receive this vaccine but it is unnecessary because pneumonia is less severe than meningitis.
• E) The vaccine contains capsular polysaccharides, and children do not mount a strong immune response against T-dependent antigens.