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)

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)

In today’s MMWR, CDC released a new recommendation for the use of pneumococcal vaccines among adults. Adults 65 years or older are now recommended to get the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13, Prevnar-13®) and the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23, Pneumovax®23).

As part of the new recommendation, adults 65 years of age or older who have not previously received any pneumococcal vaccines or whose previous vaccination history is unknown should receive a dose of PCV13 first, followed 6-12 months later by a dose of PPSV23. Adults 65 years of age or older who have previously received PPSV23 should receive PCV13 at least 1 year since their most recent dose of PPSV23.

In addition to the new recommendation for pneumococcal vaccination of adults 65 years or older, it’s important to remember that pneumococcal vaccines are also recommended for adults 19 years or older with certain health conditions and lifestyles.

To access the MMWR, go to http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6337a4.htm. For more information on pneumococcal vaccination, visit http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/pneumo/default.htm