From the Research
A 53-year-old female who received the PPSV23 last year should now receive the PCV15 or PCV20 pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, as the CDC recommends this sequential vaccination strategy for adults aged 19-64 with certain underlying medical conditions and for all adults 65 years and older, with the goal of providing broader protection against pneumococcal disease and reducing morbidity and mortality 1.
Key Considerations
- The patient's age and previous vaccination with PPSV23 are important factors in determining the next step in pneumococcal vaccination.
- The CDC recommends a sequential vaccination strategy involving PCV15 or PCV20 followed by PPSV23 for adults with certain underlying medical conditions and for all adults 65 years and older.
- The conjugate vaccines (PCV15 or PCV20) provide enhanced immune response compared to the polysaccharide vaccine alone, and this sequential approach helps create more robust immunity against pneumococcal disease.
Recommendations
- Administer PCV15 or PCV20 to the patient, considering her age and previous vaccination history.
- If PCV15 is administered, it should be followed by another dose of PPSV23 at least one year after the PCV15 dose and at least 5 years after the previous PPSV23 dose.
- The timing between doses is crucial to optimize the immune response and provide the most effective protection against pneumococcal infections, which can cause serious illnesses including pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections 2, 1.
Rationale
- The evidence from recent studies, including the one published in 2025 1, supports the use of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines in patients with certain underlying medical conditions and in older adults.
- The CDC recommendations are based on the latest available evidence and aim to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with pneumococcal disease.
- The sequential vaccination strategy provides broader protection against pneumococcal disease by covering additional serotypes and creating more robust immunity, which is essential for preventing serious illnesses and reducing the risk of complications 2, 1.