Technically Speaking: New Pneumococcal Vaccine Recommendations for Adults 65 Years and Older
Published on in Vaccine Update for Healthcare Providers
Published on in Vaccine Update for Healthcare Providers
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new pneumococcal vaccine recommendations for adults age 65 years and older in the September 19 issue of Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. These recommendations involve administering in series BOTH pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13, Prevnar 13®, Pfizer) and pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23, Pneumovax®23, Merck) to patients beginning at age 65 years. The two pneumococcal vaccines are not to be administered at the same office visit, and PCV13 should only be given to patients age 65 and older who have not received a previous dose of PCV13. Some details follow:
In addition to the new recommendations for adults age ≥ 65 years, PCV13 and/or PPSV23 continue to be recommended for high-risk adults age 19 years and older with certain health conditions (e.g., immunosuppression, asplenia, heart disease, lung disease, sickle cell disease, diabetes, alcoholism, and cirrhosis) and lifestyles (e.g., cigarette smoking). The prior vaccine history of these individuals increases the complexity of applying the new pneumococcal vaccine recommendations when they reach age 65 years. Detailed information covering the recommendations for these persons may be accessed through the links shown below.
Every year in the United States, thousands of adults die and many more are hospitalized from pneumococcal disease. Be sure your patients are appropriately immunized by assessing their immunization status for all recommended vaccines – including pneumococcal – during every healthcare visit. Of course, an especially opportune time for this assessment is when they receive influenza vaccine in the fall. According to CDC, either type of pneumococcal vaccine may be administered at the same time as influenza vaccine.
For adults ≥ 65 years of age
Use of 13-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine and 23-Valent Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine Among Adults Aged ≥65 Years: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) (pages 822–5)
For adults 19 through 64 years of age with certain health conditions or lifestyles
Additional pneumococcal vaccine information from CDC
Pneumococcal vaccine information from IAC
Contributed by: Deborah Wexler, MD
Categories: Technically Speaking
Materials in this section are updated as new information and vaccines become available. The Vaccine Education Center staff regularly reviews materials for accuracy.
You should not consider the information in this site to be specific, professional medical advice for your personal health or for your family's personal health. You should not use it to replace any relationship with a physician or other qualified healthcare professional. For medical concerns, including decisions about vaccinations, medications and other treatments, you should always consult your physician or, in serious cases, seek immediate assistance from emergency personnel.