Prevention of Invasive Pneumococcal Disease in Adults: CDC Publishes New Guidance for Use of 15 & 20 Valent Pneumococcal Vaccines
February 7, 2022
On January 28, 2022, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) released its recommendations on the use of two new pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV) in adults, the 15 valent PCV15 (VAXNEUVANCE) and the 20 valent PCV20 (PREVNAR 20). The new recommendations are as follows:

  • Adults aged ≥65 years: Adults aged ≥65 years who have not previously received PCV or whose previous vaccination history is unknown should receive 1 dose of PCV (either PCV20 or PCV15). When PCV15 is used, it should be followed by a dose of PPSV23.

  • Adults aged 19–64 years with certain underlying medical conditions or other risk factors: Adults aged 19–64 years with certain underlying medical conditions or other risk factors who have not previously received PCV or whose previous vaccination history is unknown should receive 1 dose of PCV (either PCV20 or PCV15). When PCV15 is used, it should be followed by a dose of PPSV23.

The updated guidance can be found here.

Adults who previously received pneumococcal polysaccharide 23 valent vaccine (PPSV23) only may receive a PCV (either PCV20 or PCV15) ≥1 year after their last PPSV23 dose. When PCV15 is used in those with history of PPSV23 receipt, it need not be followed by another dose of PPSV23.
For adults who previously received a dose of PCV-13, they should complete the PPSV23 series. The incremental public health benefits of providing PCV15 or PCV20 have not been evaluated, and ACIP does not recommend giving an additional PCV for these adults.
Additional Recommendations
We strongly encourage providers who care for adult patients to routinely provide all recommended adult immunizations. See the CDC’s Adult Immunization Schedule for full recommendations.

Providers who do not currently offer routine immunizations can refer patients to local pharmacies for their adult immunizations. For underinsured and uninsured patients they can receive vaccination at community health centers, or by having your patient call OC HCA Health Referral Line at 800-564-8448.
For questions or concerns, providers can contact the OCHCA Communicable Disease Control Division at 714-834-8180.