Certified Diabetes Educator Practice Exam

The necessity for revaccination with the pneumococcal vaccine for individuals with diabetes is particularly guided by age and the timing since the initial vaccination. Option B states that if a person is over the age of 64 and their initial pneumococcal vaccine was administered more than 5 years ago, revaccination is recommended.

This guideline is rooted in the understanding that older adults, especially those with chronic health conditions like diabetes, are at increased risk for pneumococcal disease. The immune response to the pneumococcal vaccine can diminish over time, particularly in older adults. Therefore, to ensure adequate protection against pneumococcal infections, revaccination is crucial if enough time has passed since the first vaccination, especially in this age group.

The other options do not align with the recognized guidelines for revaccination. For example, individuals under 65 or who have been vaccinated within the past 5 years typically do not require revaccination. Additionally, not requiring revaccination or only revaccinating when symptomatic does not follow the guideline-based approach that emphasizes proactive preventive care in populations at risk.