Pneumococcal Vaccination Guidelines
Age-Based Recommendations
- The American College of Physicians and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommend universal pneumococcal vaccination for adults aged ≥65 years with either PCV20 alone or PCV15 followed by PPSV23 ≥1 year later 1, 2, 3
- The ACIP guidelines establish that adults aged 19-49 years should only receive pneumococcal vaccination if they have specific underlying medical conditions or risk factors 1, 2
Risk-Based Indications for Adults Under 50
- The ACIP recommends pneumococcal vaccination for adults under 50 with chronic medical conditions, including chronic heart disease, chronic lung disease, diabetes mellitus, chronic liver disease, chronic renal failure or nephrotic syndrome, alcoholism, and current cigarette smoking 1, 2
- The ACIP also recommends pneumococcal vaccination for adults under 50 with immunocompromising conditions, including HIV infection, congenital or acquired immunodeficiencies, congenital or acquired asplenia or sickle cell disease, generalized malignancy, Hodgkin disease, leukemia, lymphoma, or multiple myeloma, solid organ transplant, and iatrogenic immunosuppression 1, 2
- Additionally, the ACIP recommends pneumococcal vaccination for adults under 50 with anatomic/functional conditions, including cochlear implant and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak 1, 2
Vaccination Schedule if Indicated
- If a 28-year-old has any qualifying condition, the recommended vaccination schedule is either a single dose of PCV20 alone or PCV15 followed by PPSV23 ≥1 year later (or ≥8 weeks later for immunocompromising conditions, CSF leak, or cochlear implant) 1, 2
Pneumococcal Vaccination Guidelines
Risk-Based Indications for Adults Under 65
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends pneumococcal vaccination for adults with chronic heart disease, chronic lung disease, alcoholism, and other conditions, as outlined in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 4