Common Guidelines for Bacterial Pneumonia Have Been Updated

2019 saw seismic changes in recommendations for preventing and treating bacterial pneumonia. First, the CDC no longer supports routine administration of the 13-valent conjugate pneumococcal vaccine (Prevnar) to older adults (age, ≥65; NEJM JW Gen Med Aug 15 2019 and Clin Infect Dis 2019; 69:34). Effective pediatric immunization has dramatically lowered rates of adult pneumonia caused by this vaccine's serotypes. The vaccine still is recommended for immunocompromised older adults and those with cerebrospinal fluid leak or cochlear implants. Everyone else is advised to discuss pros and cons with their clinicians, presumably focusing on any substantial comorbidities and general care preferences (NEJM JW Gen Med Aug 15 2019). Routine immunizati…