ACIP: 2018 Recommended Immunization Schedule for Adults Released

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has released the 2018 Recommended Immunization Schedule for Adults Aged 19 Years or Older.

Major changes in the 2018 adult immunization schedule from the previous year’s schedule include new recommendations on the use of recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) for adults aged ≥50 years, and the use of an additional dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine in a mumps outbreak setting. 

With the October 2017 approval of Shingrix (GlaxoSmithKline), the ACIP recommends the use of:

• RZV among immunocompetent adults aged ≥50 years for the prevention of herpes zoster and related complications 
• RZV among adults aged ≥50 years who previously received the zoster vaccine live (ZVL; Zostavax)
• RZV or ZVL for adults aged ≥60 years (RZV preferred)

There is currently no ACIP recommendation on the use of RZV among pregnant women or immunocompromised adults (eg, HIV infection). In adults with chronic conditions (eg, diabetes, chronic heart, lung, liver, or kidney disease, asplenia, complement deficiencies), RZV should routinely be used. 

Recommendations on MMR vaccination have been updated to include the use of a third dose of a mumps virus-containing vaccine in certain individuals during a mumps outbreak. Adults identified by a public health authority as being at increased risk and who have received ≤2 doses of mumps virus–containing vaccine or whose mumps vaccination status is unknown should receive 1 dose of MMR. 

Adults with no immunity to mumps are recommended to receive 1 dose of MMR for mumps prevention. Students in post-secondary institutions, international travelers, or household contacts of immunocompromised persons should receive 2 doses of MMR at least 28 days apart. 

To view the updated guidelines visit CDC.gov.