The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published a report on the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations for using the 21-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV21) in adults. This comprehensive report provides detailed guidance for healthcare professionals on appropriately administering PCV21 to adults.
Recommendations for PCV21 Use in Adults
The ACIP recommends PCV21 for adults aged 19 years and older, including those with certain medical conditions, to provide broader protection against pneumococcal disease.
Adults with Certain Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions increase the risk of pneumococcal disease. The ACIP recommends PCV21 for adults aged 19 years and older with the following conditions:
- Alcoholism
- Cerebrospinal fluid leak
- Chronic heart disease
- Chronic liver disease
- Chronic lung disease
- Chronic renal failure
- Diabetes mellitus
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection
- Immunocompromising conditions
- Cochlear implant or cerebrospinal fluid leak
- Sickle cell disease
- Splenectomy (removal of the spleen)
Adults Without Underlying Medical Conditions
For adults aged 19-64 years without any underlying medical conditions, the ACIP recommends shared clinical decision-making regarding PCV21 vaccination. This means healthcare professionals should discuss the benefits and risks of vaccination with their patients and consider individual risk factors and preferences.
The ACIP recommends PCV21 for adults aged 65 years and older, regardless of their health status.
Serotypes Included in PCV21
PCV21 offers protection against a broader range of pneumococcal serotypes compared to its predecessor, PCV13. PCV21 includes the following serotypes:
- Non-PCV13 Serotypes: 22F, 33F, 8, 10A, 11A, 12F, 9N, 17F, 20, 15A, 15C, 16F, 23A, 23B, 24F, 31, and 35B.
The inclusion of these additional serotypes improves protection against invasive pneumococcal disease, including pneumonia, meningitis, and bacteremia (bloodstream infection).
Previous Vaccination with PCV13
The report also addresses recommendations for adults who have previously received PCV13. The ACIP recommends that adults who have received PCV13 should receive a dose of PCV20. This recommendation is based on evidence suggesting that PCV20 provides additional protection against pneumococcal serotypes not included in PCV13.
Racial Disparities in Pneumococcal Vaccination
The report highlights the persistent racial disparities in pneumococcal vaccination rates and disease burden among U.S. adults.
Addressing Racial Disparities
The report emphasizes the urgent need to address these disparities by improving access to pneumococcal vaccines, particularly among racial and ethnic minority groups disproportionately affected by pneumococcal disease.
Impact of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines
The report acknowledges the significant impact of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines, such as PCV13 and PCV21, in reducing the incidence of invasive pneumococcal disease in both children and adults. It cites studies demonstrating the effectiveness of these vaccines in decreasing racial disparities in invasive pneumococcal disease among Black and White persons from 2008 to 2019. The introduction of these vaccines has contributed to a decline in racial disparities in pneumococcal disease burden, highlighting the importance of equitable vaccine access.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who should get the PCV21 vaccine?
The PCV21 vaccine is recommended for all adults 65 years of age and older and adults 19 through 64 years of age with certain medical conditions.
What are the side effects of PCV21?
The most common side effects of PCV21 are mild and may include pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, joint pain, decreased appetite, chills, or fever.
How effective is the PCV21 vaccine?
PCV21 is highly effective in preventing invasive pneumococcal disease caused by the serotypes included in the vaccine.
Where can I get the PCV21 vaccine?
The PCV21 vaccine is available at doctor’s offices, health clinics, and pharmacies.
Conclusion
The CDC report on ACIP recommendations for PCV21 use in adults provides essential guidance for healthcare professionals to protect adults from pneumococcal disease. The report emphasizes the importance of vaccination for all adults 65 years of age and older and adults 19 through 64 years of age with certain medical conditions. By following these recommendations and promoting equitable access to pneumococcal vaccines, we can reduce the burden of this preventable disease and improve public health.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention