(Aug. 2, 2024) – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention pneumococcal vaccine recommendations have been updated on June 27 to recommend PCV21 for adults. PCV21 (CAPVAXIVE, Merck) is now an option for adults aged 18 years and older who are recommended to receive a pneumococcal conjugate vaccination. Eligible individuals include those 65 years and older who have never received a PCV vaccination and individuals aged 18-64 years with underlying chronic conditions. PCV21 is an alternative to PCV20 or the PCV15+PPSV23 series. PCV21 serotypes cover ~80 percent of diagnosed invasive pneumococcal disease in adults, compared to ~60 percent covered by PCV20 (Prevnar-20, Pfizer). The CDC offers
PneumoRecs VaxAdvisor as a free app to quickly and easily provide patient-specific pneumococcal vaccine guidance. There is also a web-based version that doesn't require a download.
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Karen Braman