Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share on LinkedIn
Share by Email
Print
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has issued updated recommendations on the use of pneumococcal vaccines in adults ≥65 years of age.
The Advisory Committee voted 13-2 to recommend that adults ≥65 years of age who have not received pneumococcal vaccine or whose previous vaccination history is unknown should receive a dose of pneumococcal 13-valent conjugate vaccine (Prevnar 13; Pfizer) first, followed by pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (Pneumovax 23; Merck & Co.). It is also recommended that those who have received the one or more doses of the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine also receive the pneumococcal 13-valent conjugate vaccine.
RELATED: Some RA Drugs May Reduce Vaccine Effectiveness
The pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine is indicated for immunization against pneumococcal disease caused by approximately 85–90% of common U.S. isolates in patients ≥2 years of age. The pneumococcal 13-valent conjugate vaccine is indicated for immunization in children age 6 weeks to 5 years of age (before 6th birthday) against invasive disease caused by S. pneumoniae due to serotypes 1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19A, 19F, and 23F, in children age 6 weeks to 5 years of age (before 6th birthday) against otitis media due to serotypes 4, 6B, 9V, 14, 18C, 19F, and 23F, in children 6–17 years of age (before 18th birthday) against invasive disease caused by S. pneumoniae due to serotypes 1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19A, 19F, and 23F, and in adults ≥50 years of age against pneumonia and invasive disease caused by S. pneumoniae due to serotypes 1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19A, 19F, and 23F.
The recommendations will be submitted to the director of the CDC and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for review. If approved, the recommendations will be published in the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. The recommendations, if approved, will be re-evaluated and revised as needed in 2018.
For more information visit CDC.gov.
