From the Guidelines
Pneumonia vaccines are typically given once or twice in adulthood, with specific recommendations varying by age and risk factors, and the frequency of administration is guided by the individual's risk profile and vaccination history, as outlined in the most recent guidelines from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices 1.
Key Recommendations
- For adults 65 years and older, the CDC recommends a single dose of PCV21, PCV20, or PCV15, with PCV15 followed by a dose of PPSV23 at least one year later, unless the individual has an immunocompromising condition, a CSF leak, or a cochlear implant, in which case a minimum interval of 8 weeks can be considered 1.
- For adults 19-64 with certain medical conditions, such as chronic heart or lung disease, diabetes, or immunocompromising conditions, vaccination is also recommended, typically with PCV21, PCV20, or PCV15, followed by PPSV23 if PCV15 is used, with specific intervals and considerations based on the individual's vaccination history and risk profile 1.
Vaccination Schedules
- The vaccination schedule for adults aged 19-64 years with chronic medical conditions or immunocompromising conditions is outlined in the guidelines, with options for PCV21, PCV20, or PCV15, followed by PPSV23 if necessary, and consideration of the individual's vaccination history and risk profile 1.
- The guidelines also provide recommendations for shared clinical decision-making regarding the administration of PCV21 or PCV20 for adults aged 65 years or older who have completed the recommended vaccination series with both PCV13 and PPSV23, but have not yet received PCV21 or PCV20 1.
Important Considerations
- The pneumococcal vaccination recommendations should be reviewed again when the person reaches age 65 years, and consideration should be given to the individual's risk profile and vaccination history when determining the best course of action 1.
- The guidelines emphasize the importance of shared clinical decision-making and consideration of the individual's risk profile and vaccination history when determining the best course of action for pneumococcal vaccination 1.
From the Research
Pneumonia Vaccine Administration Frequency
- The frequency of pneumonia vaccine administration is typically a single dose for all PCV-naïve adults aged ≥50 years, as recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) in 2024 2.
- For adults who have already received a pneumococcal vaccination, the recommendations vary depending on the type of vaccine previously administered and the individual's risk factors for pneumococcal disease 2.
- Sequential vaccination with PCV13 and PPSV23 has been shown to be effective in preventing pneumococcal community-acquired pneumonia in older adults, particularly those aged 65-74 years 3.
- The efficacy of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines, such as PCV13, in preventing vaccine-type pneumococcal community-acquired pneumonia and invasive pneumococcal disease has been demonstrated in clinical trials 4.
Vaccine Types and Schedules
- There are two main types of pneumococcal vaccines: conjugate vaccines (PCV) and polysaccharide vaccines (PPSV) 5.
- The conjugate vaccines, such as PCV13, PCV15, and PCV20, are designed to provide a more robust and prolonged immune response compared to the polysaccharide vaccines 5.
- The use of both conjugate and polysaccharide vaccines in series has been shown to produce greater and lasting immunity against pneumococcal disease 5.
Special Considerations
- The emergence of non-vaccine serotypes and challenges associated with certain serotypes, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae type 3, highlight the need for continuous improvement of pneumococcal vaccination strategies 6.
- National guidelines have been updated to incorporate new pneumococcal vaccines into clinical practice, and healthcare providers should consult these guidelines for the most up-to-date recommendations on pneumococcal vaccine administration 2, 5.