Which group is suggested to receive a total of 2 doses of PPSV23 spaced 5 years apart?

The recommendation for patients with immunosuppression to receive a total of 2 doses of PPSV23, spaced 5 years apart, is based on their increased risk for pneumococcal disease. This group includes individuals who may be undergoing treatments that weaken their immune systems, such as those receiving chemotherapy, long-term corticosteroids, or other immunosuppressive therapies.

Receiving two doses ensures that these patients have adequate protection against the pneumococcal bacteria, which can lead to serious infections such as pneumonia, meningitis, and bacteremia. The 5-year interval is essential to help boost the immune response and maintain protection, as immunocompromised patients might not mount a strong immune response to the vaccine.

In contrast, other groups listed do not have the same level of risk or considerations for vaccination frequency. Healthy adults under 50 generally require fewer doses, children under 19 typically have other vaccination schedules, and while pregnant women should receive appropriate vaccines, they do not specifically follow the same PPSV23 dosing recommendations.