CDC recommended lowering the age for routine adult pneumococcal vaccination from 65 to 50 years old. Adults who are 19 through 49 years old with certain risk conditions should continue to get vaccinated against pneumococcal disease. There are now three pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV15, PCV20, PCV21) available for adult vaccination. Healthcare providers can use any of these products to vaccinate adults against pneumococcal disease. Typically, only one dose of pneumococcal vaccine is needed as an adult. However, if PCV15 is used, a second type of vaccine (pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine, PPSV23) is needed.
Job aids for adult pneumococcal vaccination
Shared clinical decision-making: This job aid should assist vaccine providers in discussions with older adults considering PCV20 or PCV21 vaccination.
Vaccine timing for adults: This job aid should help vaccine providers interpret adult pneumococcal vaccine recommendations.