ACIP votes on new pneumococcal vaccine for those who got PCV13

New recommendations put forth from ACIP last week addressed the use of the 20-valent conjugate pneumococcal vaccine (PCV20, also called Prevnar 20) in adults with a vaccine history that includes the 13-valent conjugate vaccine (PCV13, also known as Prevnar 13).

For adults 65 and up who have completed their vaccine series with both the PCV13 and 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23, also called Pneumovax 23), ACIP voted 13 to 2 to recommend shared decision-making, MedPage Today reported. Patients and their providers can then determine whether to give PCV20 at least 5 years after the individual’s last dose of pneumococcal vaccine.

For those under 65 with certain underlying conditions or risk factors who have received both the PCV13 and PPSV23 vaccines but have not completed their full vaccine schedule, the committee voted 14 to 1 to recommend 1 dose of PCV20 at least 5 years after their last dose, or otherwise PPSV23 as previously recommended, to complete their vaccine series.

MedPage Today also reported that for individuals who previously received the PCV13 vaccine only, ACIP voted unanimously to recommend a dose of PCV20 at least 1 year later, or otherwise PPSV23 as previously recommended, for that individual to complete their vaccine series.