Rethinking Pneumococcal Vaccine Recommendations for Adults

In a South Korean study, vaccine effectiveness among those aged 65–74 was highest following sequential PCV13/PPSV23 immunization.

Streptococcus pneumoniae is the chief cause of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) among older adults. Although the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) followed by the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) was recommended in the U.S. in 2014 for adults aged ≥65, this recommendation was changed in 2019 to a single dose of PPSV23 in adults aged ≥65 who were not immunocompromised. This decision was based on the observation that widespread use of PCV13 in children was associated with a decline in pneumococcal disease in adults. In a study of PCV13, PPSV23, or both sequentially against pneumococcal CAP in adults aged ≥65, investigators in South Korea used a test-negative design to estimate vaccine effectiveness. Test…

Reviewing Author

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Rethinking Pneumococcal Vaccine Recommendations for Adults

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Reviewing Author