Pneumococcal Vaccination Recommendations Updated for Adults
The U.S. CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report published on January 28, 2022, presented pneumococcal vaccine conjugate (PVC) recommendations for adults and for the use of the two recently approved vaccines.
Currently, the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) and the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) are recommended for U.S. adults. Recommendations vary by age and risk groups.
Eligible adults may receive either PCV15 in series with PPSV23 or PCV20 alone.
The new recommendations, voted on by the CDC's Advisory Committee of Immunization Practices in October 2021, call for the 15-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV15; Vaxneuvance, Merck Sharp & Dohme) or 20-valent PCV (PREVNAR20; Wyeth Pharmaceuticals).
The recommendations apply to PCV-naive adults who are 65 years or older, or people 19-64 years of age with underlying conditions such as diabetes, and who have not previously received a PCV or whose previous vaccination history is unknown.
If the PCV15 vaccine is used, a subsequent dose of the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23; Pneumovax23, Merck Sharp & Dohme) should be provided typically at least one year later.
The CDC says the 'Pneumococcal vaccination recommendations were simplified across age and risk group.'
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