From the Guidelines
Pneumovax, Menactra, and Bexsero should be administered every 5 years, not every 3 years, to maintain optimal protection against pneumococcal and meningococcal diseases, as supported by the most recent guidelines 1.
Key Considerations
- For immunocompromised patients, including those with asplenia, HIV, or other immune deficiencies, Pneumovax is typically recommended with an initial dose followed by a second dose 5 years later.
- Meningococcal vaccines (both conjugate and B strain) generally require boosters every 5 years for high-risk individuals, as outlined in the recommendations for persons with anatomic and functional asplenia 1.
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine, commonly included in childhood combination vaccines, typically doesn't require regular boosters in adulthood except in specific high-risk situations.
Booster Intervals
- The recommended booster interval for meningococcal conjugate vaccines is every 5 years for individuals aged 7 years or older at persistent risk for meningococcal disease, as stated in the guidelines 1.
- For children aged 2 months to 6 years at persistent risk for meningococcal disease, a booster dose should be given 3 years after the primary series and every 5 years thereafter 1.
Vaccine Administration
- MenACWY-D, MenACWY-CRM, and MenACWY-TT are recommended for primary vaccination, with specific dosing schedules depending on age and risk factors, as detailed in the guidelines 1.
- MenB-FHbp and MenB-4C are recommended for primary vaccination against serogroup B meningococcal disease, with specific dosing schedules and booster recommendations, as outlined in the guidelines 1.
From the Research
Vaccine Information
- Pneumovax is a pneumococcal vaccine, which is recommended for all persons 65 years of age or older and those with certain medical conditions 2.
- Meningococcal vaccines, such as Menactra, and Meningococcal B vaccines, like Bexsero, are available for protection against meningococcal disease.
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine is often included in combination vaccines like pentavalent (5-in-1) and hexavalent (6-in-1) vaccines.
Vaccine Administration and Safety
- The coadministration of meningococcal serogroup C and Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccine with 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine and measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine at 12 months of age has been shown to be safe and immunogenic 3.
- The 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) can be given concomitantly with meningococcal C-tetanus toxoid conjugate and other routine pediatric vaccinations without interfering with the immune response to the concomitantly administered vaccines 4.
- PCV13 has been shown to be highly immunogenic with a favorable safety profile 4.
Booster Shots
- Pneumococcal vaccine booster shots are recommended every 3 years for certain individuals, but the provided studies do not specifically address the frequency of booster shots for pneumococcal vaccine.
- Tetanus booster shots are recommended every 10 years for adults who have completed the primary series 2.