CDC recommends pneumococcal polyvalent-23 vaccine for all adults with asthma

The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunizations updates its recommended adult and pediatric immunization schedule annually.

The most recent updates (2011) include:

- expanding the indications for pneumococcal polyvalent-23 vaccine to include all adults with asthma and all smokers

- permissive but not routine use of the quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV) to prevent genital warts in males

- a single dose of herpes zoster (HZV) vaccine for adults 60 years and older, regardless of their history

- replacing a single dose of tetanus and diphtheria toxoids (Td) vaccine with tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine in adults 19 years and older who have not previously received Tdap. Pertussis immunization is urged for seniors due to many unreported cases among older adults. Repeat TDaP if older than 65 (http://j.mp/yK6Y3h).

- annual seasonal influenza vaccination for all adults

- booster doses of meningococcal vaccine for adults with high-risk conditions

References:

Update on immunizations in adults. Vaughn JA, Miller RA. Am Fam Physician. 2011 Nov 1;84(9):1015-20.

Cost-effectiveness of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine vs. Polysaccharide Vaccine in Adults: PCV13 was better than PPSV23. JAMA, 2012.