What is the latest recommendation for pneumonia vaccination?

From the Guidelines

The latest recommendation for pneumonia vaccination is to use either PCV21 or PCV20 for adults, with specific guidelines based on age, medical conditions, and previous vaccination history, as outlined in the 2024 Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommendations 1. The recommendation for adults 65 years and older who have not previously received a pneumococcal vaccine is to receive a single dose of PCV21, PCV20, or PCV15, with the option to administer PPSV23 at least 1 year after PCV15. For adults 19-64 with certain underlying medical conditions or risk factors, such as immunocompromising conditions, chronic heart, lung, or liver disease, diabetes, or cigarette smoking, similar recommendations apply, with the option to receive PCV21, PCV20, or PCV15, followed by PPSV23 if necessary. Key considerations in determining the best vaccination strategy include the individual's risk for exposure to pneumococcal serotypes and their risk for developing pneumococcal disease due to underlying medical conditions. The conjugate vaccines (PCV21, PCV20) provide longer-lasting immunity by linking the bacterial polysaccharides to a protein carrier, making them more effective than the older polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) alone, as supported by the latest evidence 1. Some of the key points to consider when making a decision about pneumonia vaccination include:

• The individual's age and medical history
• The type of pneumococcal vaccine previously received, if any
• The presence of underlying medical conditions that may increase the risk of pneumococcal disease
• The potential benefits and risks of each vaccination option It is essential to consult the latest guidelines and recommendations from reputable sources, such as the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, to ensure that the most up-to-date and effective vaccination strategies are being used, as outlined in the 2024 recommendations 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

2.3 Revaccination The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has recommendations for revaccination against pneumococcal disease for persons at high risk who were previously vaccinated with PNEUMOVAX 23. Routine revaccination of immunocompetent persons previously vaccinated with a 23-valent vaccine, is not recommended.

The latest recommendation for pneumonia vaccination is that the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has recommendations for revaccination against pneumococcal disease for persons at high risk who were previously vaccinated with PNEUMOVAX 23 2. Key points to consider:

• Routine revaccination of immunocompetent persons previously vaccinated with a 23-valent vaccine is not recommended.
• The ACIP has recommendations for use of PNEUMOVAX 23 in children 2 years of age or older, who have previously received pneumococcal vaccines, and who are at increased risk for pneumococcal disease 2.
• Persons who are immunocompromised, including persons receiving immunosuppressive therapy, may have a diminished immune response to PNEUMOVAX 23 2.

From the Research

Latest Pneumonia Vaccine Recommendations

• The latest recommendation for pneumonia vaccination is a single dose of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) for all PCV-naïve adults aged ≥50 years 3.
• This recommendation was made by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) in October 2024, and it includes the use of 20-valent PCV (PCV20) or 21-valent PCV (PCV21) alone, or 15-valent PCV (PCV15) in series with 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) 3.

Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) Options

• PCV13 is recommended for all adults aged ≥65 years and immunocompromised adults aged <65 years to protect against vaccine-serotype invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) and pneumonia 4.
• PCV20 and PCV21 are also available options for adults aged ≥50 years, and they can be used alone or in series with PPSV23 3.
• PCV15 is another option that can be used in series with PPSV23 for adults aged ≥50 years 3.

Special Considerations

• Adults with underlying chronic conditions, such as cardiovascular, liver, and pulmonary diseases, and diabetes mellitus, have a persistent pneumococcal disease burden and may benefit from PCV vaccination 4.
• The immune responses to PCV13 in younger adults are comparable or better than in older adults, suggesting that PCV13 may be effective in adults aged <50 years 4.
• Prior receipt of PPSV23 may blunt the antibody response to protein conjugate vaccination, and therefore, the benefit of subsequent pneumococcal conjugate vaccination may be diminished 5.