Pneumonia Vaccine in Older Adults
September 1, 2014
The ACIP is also recommending the 13-valent pneumococcal vaccine (Prevnar) for those ≥ 65 years of age regardless of whether they have already been immunized with the 23-valent vaccine (Pneumovax). Results from the CAPiTA trial showed a significant reduction in pneumococcal disease with the 13-valent vaccine. The new recommendation states that unvaccinated older adults should receive Prevnar-13 first followed some time later by a dose of Pneumovax. Those adults who have already been vaccinated with Pneumovax should receive a dose of Prevnar-13. The need for both vaccines will be reevaluated by the ACIP and the CDC in 2018. The CDC has not officially endorsed this recommendation yet and Medicare does not have the mechanism to pay for the new vaccine recommendation until at least 2015.
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