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.

Question

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.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

PPSV23 contains capsular polysaccharides, which are T-independent antigens, and children do not mount a strong immune response against these types of antigens. Therefore, the vaccine is not effective in protecting children against pneumococcal meningitis.

Why Is PPSV23 Not an Effective Vaccine for Protecting Children