The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has issued new guidelines for pneumococcal vaccines in immunocompetent adults. The new guideline stresses using the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13, Prevnar 13) first, followed 1 year later by the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23, Pneumovax 23). The time interval between the two vaccines improves the immune response. The ACIP recommends that healthy adults ≥ 65 years of age who have never been vaccinated should receive Prevnar 13 first, followed by Pneumovax 23 at least 1 year later. For those who received Pneumovax 23 when they were > 65 years of age, Prevnar 13 should be given at least 1 year later. Those who received Pneumovax 23 before they were age 65 should receive Prevnar 13 followed by Pneumovax 23 at least 1 year later. The recommendations for other risk groups have not changed.
The time interval between the two vaccines improves the immune response.
You have reached your article limit for the month. Subscribe now to access this article plus other member-only content.
- Award-winning Medical Content
- Latest Advances & Development in Medicine
- Unbiased Content